CHAPTER ONE
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Two brothers, an idea inspired by the Contender, and the transformation of an old scout hall.
TWO BROTHERS. ONE IDEA. A DREAM.
The story of Box Office Boxing began in 2007 with two brothers, Sam and Jake Rapira, and an idea inspired by the television reality series The Contender, which followed boxers competing for the opportunity to secure a professional boxing contract.
What started as a conversation between two brothers soon became a shared ambition to establish their own boxing gym.
With little knowledge of what was involved in running a boxing club, no experience in managing a sporting organisation and no clear understanding of the challenges ahead, they decided to give it a go.
FROM AN OLD SCOUT HALL TO A BOXING GYM
The first home of Box Office Boxing was an old scout hall in Bell Block, New Plymouth.
The building had been subjected to regular vandalism and needed considerable attention. But where others might have seen a rundown building, Sam and Jake saw an opportunity.
After purchasing the property, they set about repairing and transforming it into a place where people could train, learn boxing and become part of something positive.
It was the beginning of what would become Box Office Boxing.
THE SPONSOR WHO HELPED MAKE IT POSSIBLE
One of the earliest and most important milestones was securing the club’s first sponsor, Q Transport. Recognising the brothers’ vision and determination, Q Transport provided the support needed to purchase the boxing equipment required to open the gym. Their generosity helped turn an idea into a functioning boxing club and laid the foundations for the opportunities that would follow. It was an act of support that would become part of Box Office Boxing’s history.
BUILT BY FAMILY
In those early days, Box Office Boxing was truly a family operation. The club’s first committee was made up entirely of family members, including Sam and Jake’s mother and stepfather, their father and his partner. Together, they provided the encouragement, support and commitment needed to get the club off the ground. There were no established systems to follow, no wealth of experience to draw upon and certainly no guarantees of success. What they did have was a willingness to work, learn and support one another.
Box Office Boxing Club 2007 - 2013
Former Mangati Scout Hall Bell Block.
LEARNING AS WE WENT
When Box Office Boxing first opened its doors, Sam and Jake readily admitted they didn’t really know what they were doing, or even how they were going to make it work. They were learning everything from the ground up. But what they lacked in experience, they made up for with enthusiasm, determination and a belief that they could create something worthwhile.
Those humble beginnings would eventually grow into a registered charity, a successful competitive boxing club and a community organisation supporting people of all ages and abilities.
