| Billy Graham | |
| Weight: | Light-welterweight |
| Birth Place: | Naenae, New Zealand |
William Neil Graham (born) is a New Zealand boxing trainer and former amateur boxer. He won four New Zealand titles at light welterweight, plus an Australasian title and the Jamieson Belt.
Born in Naenae, and trained by the legendary Dick Dunn, Graham's amateur career was outstanding. He did not turn pro, but in the late 1960s Bob Jones wrote the following about young Graham:
When Graham was 28, his coach told him it was time to stop boxing. Graham left boxing after 18 years in the ring without ever having taken a blow to the head. He now runs the Naenae Boxing Academies in Naenae and Cannons creek, These academies help kids of the street and save their childhoods which has gained recognition from several newspapers.[1]
In 2011, Graham was named the Local Community Hero of the Year at the New Zealander of the Year awards.[2]
In the 2020 Queen's Birthday Honours, Graham was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to youth and the community.[3]