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For boxing enthusiasts, the news recently that New Zealand and Nelson middleweight titleholder, Graham McNamara, was hanging up his gloves, was a body blow to boxing. Graham has had to fight hard to reach the top, but he climbed the pinnacle of success when last year he won the national title and then captained the New Zealand team on its tour of New Caledonia and Fiji last year. Not long after returning, he announced his intention to turn professional. Then came his decision to retire last month to enter the tomato-growing business. He will not be lost to boxing in Nelson altogether, however, for he hopes to obtain a trainer's licence and help his old trainer, Les Rackley, in his gymnasium. In his chosen sport Graham has been beset by difficulties - broken hours and limited training opportunities, and sickness. In 1966 he missed his chance for the national title in a very controversial bout and in 1967 he was again runner-up. He won the Wellington title in 1965 and 1968 and was runner-up in 1966. In all, Graham had 50 fights for 39 wins as an amateur. (Photo by Peter Cooper Studio).