Les Rackley (boxing trainer)
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9 March 1929
Les Rackley | |
|---|---|
| Born | Leslie Arthur Rackley 9 March 1929 West Ham, London, England |
| Died | 2 June 2021 (aged 92) Nelson, New Zealand |
| Known for | Boxing trainer |
| Spouse | Joyce Rackley |
| Relatives | Jeff Rackley (son) Les Rackley (son) |
Leslie Arthur Rackley (9 March 1929 – 2 June 2021) was a New Zealand boxing trainer. During his career, his boxers won 55 New Zealand championship titles, and he coached the New Zealand boxing team at the 1974 and 1982 Commonwealth Games. His four sons, who he trained, all represented New Zealand internationally.
Rackley was born in West Ham, London, England, on 9 March 1929.[1] He served in the army and merchant navy, and boxed as a welterweight.[2] He migrated to New Zealand in 1949, settling in Nelson, and marrying his wife Joyce not long after.[2][3] He became a naturalised New Zealand citizen in 1981.[1] Rackley's children enjoyed considerable sporting success: his daughters Margaret and Tish were both New Zealand volleyball representatives; and his sons Jeff, Les, Perry and Dean all represented New Zealand in boxing at Olympic or Commonwealth Games.[2][4]