Missing boxing trophies a cruel blow

‘‘To understand these feelings, you need to realise that the two major trophies that are missing, have the same importance to our sport as yachting has for the America’s Cup, rugby and the Bledisloe Cup, and racing with the Melbourne Cup,’’ Mr Walker said.

‘‘Imagine the country’s reaction if those great trophies went missing.’’

He said Boxing New Zealand had been consistently told by the two transport companies that the 90cm x 65cm box containing the trophies had been ‘‘lost’’ without trace.

‘‘We believe this is nonsense. We believe they have been stolen.

‘‘Pack & Send and Toll New Zealand were both approached countless times, and asked what responsibility and compensation was likely, with the continuing response inferring that they take no responsibility, and no compensation is likely to be forthcoming.

‘‘In essence, both washed their hands of any responsibility that they were paid to undertake.’’

Mr Walker said the incident had been reported to Dunedin Police but police told Boxing New Zealand they had reached a point where they could not take the case any further unless further evidence was provided.

‘‘This decision has left us with nowhere to go.

‘‘So Boxing New Zealand is offering a reward of $1000 to whoever can return our heirlooms to us.

‘‘All our evidence suggests that they are in Dunedin, or have been shipped out by whoever unlawfully took them.’’

It was hoped the trophies could be found in time to be presented at the 2022 Boxing New Zealand National Championships, to be held on October 48, he said.

Toll New Zealand did not respond to a request for comment yesterday.