When Team New Zealand arrives in Glasgow for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, one of its most experienced and battle-tested boxers will be 70kg contender Wendell Stanley, a fighter who knows exactly how fine the margins can be at major championships.
At 25 years of age, Stanley enters his second Commonwealth Games with unfinished business. Four years ago in Birmingham, he came agonisingly close to securing a podium finish before suffering a heartbreaking majority decision defeat in the quarter-finals, falling just one victory short of a guaranteed medal.
Rather than allowing that disappointment to define him, Stanley has used it as fuel.
Since Birmingham, the Auckland based boxer has continued to establish himself as one of New Zealand’s leading amateur fighters. Boxing out of the renowned Revills Boxing Gym, Stanley has collected multiple New Zealand national titles while consistently testing himself against elite international opposition.
His preparation for Glasgow has seen him box at the highest level in the sport. Earlier this year, he represented New Zealand at the 2026 Boxing World Cup in Brazil, gaining invaluable experience against some of the world’s best competitors ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
For Stanley, wearing the New Zealand vest remains as meaningful as ever.
“It’s an incredible honour. Representing New Zealand is something I’ve never taken for granted, and to be selected for my second Commonwealth Games means a lot because it reflects years of hard work, sacrifice, and the support of so many people around me.
“Every time I put on the black singlet, I know I’m representing not only myself but my family, my coaches, my teammates, and everyone who has backed me throughout the journey. It’s a privilege that fills me with pride, and I’m determined to make the most of the opportunity.”
The 70kg division promises to be one of the deepest weight classes in Glasgow, featuring elite talent from across the Commonwealth. However, Stanley isn’t allowing himself to become distracted by potential opponents.
“The Commonwealth is full of world-class talent, so I have a lot of respect for everyone in the division,” he said.
“At this level, there are no easy fights, and if you focus too much on one opponent, someone else can catch you out. My focus is on being the best version of myself and trusting the preparation my team and I have put in. If I perform to my potential, I believe I can compete with anyone in the field.”
It is the mindset of a boxer who has grown considerably over the past four years. Experience, maturity and countless rounds against top-level opposition have shaped Stanley into a more complete athlete, both mentally and physically.
The painful memories of Birmingham remain, but they now serve as motivation rather than frustration.
“Definitely. Missing out on a medal in Birmingham hurt, but it also taught me a lot,” Stanley explained.
“That experience has motivated me every day since. I’ve matured both as a boxer and as a person, and I feel I’m in a much stronger place now. The goal this time is to go one step further and bring home a medal for New Zealand. That’s what’s driving me, but I’m also grateful just to have another opportunity to compete on one of the biggest stages in our sport.”
With years of international experience behind him, multiple national titles to his name, and the confidence gained from competing against world-class opposition in Brazil, Stanley heads to Glasgow as one of New Zealand’s genuine medal hopes.
His journey over the past four years has led to Glasgow. Now, as the Commonwealth Games approach once again, Wendell Stanley has the opportunity to turn the lessons of Birmingham into success on one of amateur boxing’s biggest stages.
For New Zealand boxing fans, Glasgow 2026 could well be the tournament where Wendell Stanley completes the mission he started four years ago.
IRISH BOXING DIGEST 
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