'Great man': Kiwi heavyweight fighter Richard Tutaki dies aged 46
Former New Zealand heavyweight boxer Richard Tutaki has died, aged 46.
Tutaki, commonly known in the ring as the 'Tutaki Express Train', suffered a heart attack and died in hospital earlier this week, according to Stuff.
The heavyweight title contender faced well known Kiwi stars Joseph Parker and Shane Cameron throughout his 22-year career.
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In 49 professional fights, he was named the winner in 21.
The Auckland-born fighter was labelled as a promising heavyweight prospect early in his career, having been scheduled to fight Sonny Bill Williams in 2012.
The fight with Williams was later withdrawn due to a court case involving the former rugby player.
Tutaki retired seven years ago before returning for a two-fight comeback in 2023, where he claimed the vacant New Zealand professional boxing commission heavyweight title.
Joseph Parker (L) and Richard Tutaki in action during the professional bout in 2012. Getty
"Richard Tutaki was a great man who achieved a lot in boxing and has fought some of the best heavyweight boxers to come out of the South Pacific," Kiwi professional boxing judge Benjamin Watt said.
"In his 22-year boxing career, he won his professional title winning the New Zealand national and WBC Australasian Silver titles in 2023.
"He will be missed."
American heavyweight Chauncy Welliver, who was defeated by Tutaki in a bout in 2004, also offered his condolences.
"Richard was a very good boxer. He had some wins that I never expected out of him. Boy, did he have power," he said.
"I spent a lot of time with Rich here in America as well as in New Zealand.
"I am absolutely going to miss the man. I am going to miss the boxer, I am going to miss my conversations with him - he could have been a comedian.
"He will be dearly missed. He didn't get to the heights of David Tua and Shane Cameron, but in my mind, he is just as big a part of my New Zealand Story as they are.
"I am going to miss and love Richard Tutaki forever."
