The first recorded New Zealand National professional boxing title was won in 1884 by Harry Laing.

[2] The first recorded boxing association champion was Hock Keys in 1905 and Carrie Blackburn in September 1924 after NZBA took over as the country's body.

But the last contest for the title was in 2006 between Guillermo Mosquera and David Wiremu which ended in a draw.

In 1996 the NZBA passed a rule to finally allow women to box in New Zealand.

The Golden Gloves Championship are separate from the National and generally happen in the middle of the year.