The numerous Boxing New Zealand requests for information on former boxers are a real mixed bag. Many are just a stab in the dark, with little detail, of no more than a name and an approximate timeline of boxing contests.

Others turn out to be absolute gems, that have lain hidden for decades of young men who stood out like a beacon with their achievements in the squared ring, such as the recent BNZ website post on the professional career of Roy Stevens.

Another recent enquiry asked out the feats of John, Keith and Noel Fitzwater who reputedly boxed in the decade before and after WW2.

Fitzwater sibling number two, Keith, boxed as an amateur and had a short and sharp time in the 'paid to punch' ranks that resulted in a 1win, 1loss, 1draw record. However Keith's greatest claim to fame in boxing, was as the trainer of Jimmy McIvor who won the Jameson Belt in1948. John, who was born in 1919, boxed as amateur in the mid 1930's.

Living up the adage of 'leaving the best to last', Noel Fitzwater make a lasting impression in the New Zealand professional ranks immediately after WW2. Forty five bouts with the undoubted highlight of winning and defending the NZBA Welterweight title, were franked on his record card.

Noel made his entrance in the professional ranks on the 16th February 1948, defeating Phil Bennett at the Municipal Theatre in Hastings. Fitzwater had a very successful debut year winning six of his eight contests, with the only stains of defeat being to Phil Adams in Wanganui and Doug Godward with the venue being given as the Lakefront in Rotorua.

A further eight fights followed in 1949 producing three wins, four losses and a draw against Percy Kelly, who would engage in 67 fights in his time in the pro division. A notable win came against Australian Brian McDonald, who he dispatched on points in Hastings in 1948 - before again taking out a points victory at one best fight venues of the time at the Petone Recreation Ground on the 15 January 1949. The fight was on the undercard of one of Australian fighting Sands brothers, in Alfie Sands, who defeated Ian Cruickshank. 

Like many professional of the 1940's and 1950's, Noel would dispense with long training build-ups and keep his fitness up to scratch in the ring. 1950, was no different to his first two years fighting as a professional, engaging in nine fights,  with the Municipal Theatre in Hastings his second home with seven bouts, after relocating to Hawkes Bay.

There was a strong Fitzwater connection in his two bouts with Jimmy McIvor that produced a loss and a win. Keith had trained McIvor to win the Jameson Belt in his time in the amateur ranks. A first up TKO defeat was reversed five months later by way of a point’s decision from the judges.

A big step-up in quality of opponents and preparations came in 1951. Noel travelled the country with fights in Napier, Auckland, Palmerston North and Invercargill, before taking part in his biggest challenge so far in his three year professional career.

The Auckland Town Hall was the venue of Noel's challenge for the vacant NZBA Welterweight title. Fitzwater faced Tommy Rudolph, who had numbered victories over future New Zealand Middle and Welterweight champion Billy Beazley  and Welterweight titleholder Clarrie Gordon.

Throughout his career, Noel was always recovering from a fight or negotiating or preparing for his next contest. The welterweight championship belt bout was Noel's sixth professional contest in just six and half months. 

Noel stepped up to another level, of claiming a New Zealand championship belt, when he defeated Tommy Rudolph by way of a points decision. 

The National title started a golden run of seven straight victories. First up in 1952, he beat Alan Shepherd on points, before putting his title in the line against Alfie Emmerson at the Municipal Theatre in Hastings, with a successful points decision victory.

Two non-title wins over George Burke and Jack O'Leary set up a return Welterweight title fight with Tommy Rudolph. Fitzwater retained his national crown with a unanimous decision before backing up for three fights in 23 days in July 1952. 

The reigning National Welterweight title holder put his championship belt on the line, against George Burke at the Wellington Town Hall, when he knocked his opponent to the canvas with the referee stopping the bout in the titleholders favour. The quick turnaround saw Fitzwater drop non-title decisions to Steve Bryan and Bernie Hall. 

Six fights in 1953 rounded out the Noel Fitzwater time in the professional ranks. He opened his last season in the ring with losses to Auckland’s Jackie Hughes and Fred Riddell. He then returned to his Taranaki roots, to engage in combat with Noel Dornan at the Stratford Town Hall winning both his bouts in June and August, with a points win inked in his record book.

Noel’s fourth NZBA National title attempt proved a bridge to far. After being beaten by Ross Sadler in Timaru, he challenged the same boxer for the New Zealand Professional Middleweight crown at the Recreation Ground in Waimate. NZBA history will show that Noel lost another points decision in his last visit to the squared ring.

Article added: Tuesday 09 November 2021