16 Facts About Soulan Pownceby

Soulan James Pownceby is a New Zealand boxer who was described by TVNZ in 2004 as one of New Zealand's most exciting talents since David Tua.

Soulan Pownceby is notable for convictions for assault and manslaughter.

Soulan Pownceby had an impressive amateur record and won numerous New Zealand gold medals as a middle weight, light-heavy weight, and heavy weight.

Soulan Pownceby was selected for the 2004 Athens Olympics and was the only boxer chosen to represent New Zealand at this event.

Soulan Pownceby is a four time New Zealand National Amateur Champion, winning in 2001,2002,2005 and 2006.

Soulan Pownceby defeated Joel Casey for the World Boxing Foundation light-heavyweight title on 17 June 2010.

Soulan Pownceby, who was ranked 9th in the July 2010 WBO light heavyweight rankings, was in superb form and won the fight over 12 rounds.

Soulan Pownceby has held the WBO Asia Pacific light-heavyweight title after defeating Togasilamai Letoa in a 12-round fight.

Soulan Pownceby is ranked fifth in New Zealand's pound for pound record.

Soulan Pownceby was unable to fight again due to a serious neck injury.

On 19 October 1994, Soulan Pownceby killed his five-month-old daughter Jeanette Rikihana.

Soulan Pownceby was charged with murder, however the jury at his murder trial ruled that he was not guilty of murder but was guilty of manslaughter.

Soulan Pownceby's father has never acknowledged him, his sister was murdered by her partner in 1990, and his mother died of cancer in 1993.

Soulan Pownceby was jailed in 1995 for four years for the manslaughter of his 5-month-old daughter and converted to Catholicism following his release from prison in 1998.

In 2004 Soulan Pownceby said he could not change the past but that he was "trying to be the best person I can be".

In 2006 Soulan Pownceby announced that he intended to donate his first professional boxing purse to child cancer.