05-31-2025, 10:11 AM
A rivalry destined for future chapters
Firth vs. Kagho: A Sequel in the Making
![[Image: https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.ama...8x575.jpeg]](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8c4e19f3-4f74-4840-84ee-3f44b3ec494e_548x575.jpeg)
New Zealand boxing fans are beginning to buzz with excitement over the tantalizing prospect of a future professional showdown between rising stars Oliver Firth and Taj 'Trunks' Kagho. The two young fighters have recently signed on to compete in the newly launched BX-9 Series, which debuts on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau City, New Zealand. This innovative semi-professional format bridges the gap between amateur and professional competition, providing a platform for top-tier local talent to sharpen their skills and build their profiles.
Oliver Firth enters BX-9 as New Zealand’s #1 ranked amateur light heavyweight. With a standout amateur record of 15-1 and an unblemished professional start at 4-0, Firth brings a sharp, composed style backed by discipline, patience, and solid footwork. His transition to the pro ranks has been methodical and impressive, and he’s widely seen as one of the country's most promising boxing prospects.
Taj ‘Trunks’ Kagho arrives at BX-9 with an eye-catching 78-16 amateur record and a reputation for dynamic movement, slick combinations, and an aggressive mindset. While Kagho will be competing in the middleweight division for this series, the difference in weight class doesn’t dull the intrigue surrounding a potential rematch with Firth.
The two previously met in the 2024 New Zealand National Amateur Boxing Championship light heavyweight final. That encounter lived up to the hype, delivering a thrilling, tightly contested bout that saw Firth edge out Kagho on the judges’ scorecards. It was a fight defined by adjustments, respect, and high-level execution from both boxers — a bout that immediately sparked debate over its razor-thin margin and the likelihood of future rematches.
The future is unwritten, but one thing is clear: if both fighters continue their upward trajectories, a captivating and high-stakes professional collision could very well be on the horizon — a showdown New Zealand boxing fans would relish seeing come to fruition.
Both fighters possess charisma, talent, and ambition, and their shared history only adds to the narrative. Firth, calm and clinical; Kagho, flashy and fearless — it's a contrast in style that promises fireworks.
For a closer look at their thrilling first encounter, watch the full fight here:
https://nzboxingchronicles.substack.com/...e-chapters
Firth vs. Kagho: A Sequel in the Making
New Zealand boxing fans are beginning to buzz with excitement over the tantalizing prospect of a future professional showdown between rising stars Oliver Firth and Taj 'Trunks' Kagho. The two young fighters have recently signed on to compete in the newly launched BX-9 Series, which debuts on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau City, New Zealand. This innovative semi-professional format bridges the gap between amateur and professional competition, providing a platform for top-tier local talent to sharpen their skills and build their profiles.
Oliver Firth enters BX-9 as New Zealand’s #1 ranked amateur light heavyweight. With a standout amateur record of 15-1 and an unblemished professional start at 4-0, Firth brings a sharp, composed style backed by discipline, patience, and solid footwork. His transition to the pro ranks has been methodical and impressive, and he’s widely seen as one of the country's most promising boxing prospects.
Taj ‘Trunks’ Kagho arrives at BX-9 with an eye-catching 78-16 amateur record and a reputation for dynamic movement, slick combinations, and an aggressive mindset. While Kagho will be competing in the middleweight division for this series, the difference in weight class doesn’t dull the intrigue surrounding a potential rematch with Firth.
The two previously met in the 2024 New Zealand National Amateur Boxing Championship light heavyweight final. That encounter lived up to the hype, delivering a thrilling, tightly contested bout that saw Firth edge out Kagho on the judges’ scorecards. It was a fight defined by adjustments, respect, and high-level execution from both boxers — a bout that immediately sparked debate over its razor-thin margin and the likelihood of future rematches.
The future is unwritten, but one thing is clear: if both fighters continue their upward trajectories, a captivating and high-stakes professional collision could very well be on the horizon — a showdown New Zealand boxing fans would relish seeing come to fruition.
Both fighters possess charisma, talent, and ambition, and their shared history only adds to the narrative. Firth, calm and clinical; Kagho, flashy and fearless — it's a contrast in style that promises fireworks.
For a closer look at their thrilling first encounter, watch the full fight here:
https://nzboxingchronicles.substack.com/...e-chapters