Ron Withell

Ronald William Withell (9 March 1916 – 14 May 1998) was a New Zealand amateur boxer, who represented his country at the 1938 British Empire Games, and won two national amateur titles.

Early life Born on 9 March 1916, Withell was the eldest son of William Withell and Sarah Jane Withell (née Wilkinson), who farmed at Winchmore, near Ashburton.

Withell took up amateur boxing in 1937, and won the New Zealand heavyweight title that year in only his eighth competitive bout, having beaten Morrie McHugh in the semi-final. He was then selected to represent New Zealand in the heavyweight division at the 1938 British Empire Games, but his lack of experience told, and he was defeated in his opening bout when he was knocked out in the first round by South African Claude Sterley, who went on to win the silver medal.

Career Withell won the national amateur light-heavyweight title in 1939, before enlisting to serve in the New Zealand forces during World War II.