John Conway (boxer)

John Conway (born 8 March 1968, New Zealand) is a retired professional boxer and kickboxer. Conway biggest boxing bout of his career was challenging for the WBO Asia Pacific light heavyweight title against Soulan Pownceby in June 2011. Conway has peaked at 11th on the WBO Asia Pacific Rankings. Conway started his boxing career in the amateur in 1986. If you combine his amateur, professional boxing and kickboxing fight, Conway has had 182 fights.

Currently Conway is the president of the New Zealand Professional Boxing Association and has refereed in over 100 boxing bouts. Conway has refereed and judged in many notable boxers including Chauncy Welliver, Michelle Preston, Daniella Smith, Gunnar Jackson, Robert Berridge, Shane Cameron, Jeff Horn, Izuagbe Ugonoh, Kali Meehan, Brian Minto, and Joseph Parker.

Outside being an official, Conway owns his own gym called Rebel Lee Gar and trains many successful boxers and kickboxers including Adrian Taihia, Baby Nansen, Lani Daniels, Richie Hardcore and David Letele.

NZPBA president
In July 2016, Conway became vice President of NZPBA. In February 2017, Lance Revill resigned as president of NZPBA due to the backlash of the comments made against World Champion Joseph Parker. Due to this, Conway was promoted to Interim President of NZPBA.

Lani Daniels World Champion
Conway is the trainer and manager of two division world champion Lani Daniels. When setting up Daniels first world title fight, Conway was in negotiations with opponent Alrie Meleisea manager Vasco Kovačević since Christmas day 2022. In May 2023, Daniels won her IBF world heavyweight title. Daniels originally planned to retire after her world title win, however, after her win, Conway began negotiations with multiple promoters to sign Daniels full time. On the 18th of July it was announced that Daniels had signed a three fight deal with boxing promoter Dean Lonergan under D & L Promotions.

Kickboxing and Muay Thai titles

 * NZ amateur welterweight kickboxing champion (1991)
 * NZ thaiboxing professional welterweight champion (1992–2000)
 * South Pacific welterweight champion (1995)
 * Hong Kong World welterweight champion (1995)

Awards

 * Balmoral Lee Gar Thai Boxing Most Determined Professional Fighter (1994–1995)

Awards and recognitions

 * 2019 Gladrap Boxing Awards Trainer of the year (Nominated)
 * 2019 Gladrap Boxing Awards Referee of the year (Nominated)
 * 2021 New Zealand Boxing Awards Referee of the year (Won)
 * 2022 New Zealand Boxing Awards Referee of the year (Won)