Portrait 3: Tristan Mondola

• GateKeeper Boxing Club owner

• Coach

• Former Boxer

“Boxing gives you that space where you can practice solving a problem”

@tristanmondola by k.k

1. Could you please introduce yourself?

Born in the Philippines and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa, boxing has always been a central part of my life. I’m a former amateur boxer and now owns the GateKepper Boxing Club in Auckland. Outside the gym, I love exploring the city, discovering cool cafés and great pastries. When I’m at home, you’ll usually find me fixing bicycles or collecting vintage bikes. Inside the gym, however, my greatest passion is sharing my love for boxing with my community and the people around me.

2. Tell us about your personal and professional background (competitions, opportunities).

For Filipinos, boxing is deeply rooted in our culture. Back in the Philippines, the whole country would stop to watch Manny Pacquiao fight. Hundreds of millions of people, all supporting one man representing our nation. Even when we were living in New Zealand, my entire family would gather to watch his fights. I started boxing at 14. At the time, I was quite chubby and simply wanted to get fit, and boxing became my tool to do that. At 17, I began training seriously for fights, and by 18, I entered competitions. As an amateur boxer, I won the Golden Gloves once and was a 1st runner up twice.

My journey as a coach is very different from my journey as a boxer. As a fighter, I was aggressive and driven by emotion. As a coach, I’ve learned to step back, analyse situations first, and then find solutions. No matter how good your plan is, there will always be obstacles: you have to learn how to adapt and work through them.

3. What are you most passionate about in the boxing industry?

The amateur boxing scene is very small, but that’s also what makes it special. What I’ve noticed is the deep love people have for the sport. Coaches give their time, energy, and knowledge to boxers, often expecting nothing in return.

Now, I’ve become more attentive and empathetic—both towards fellow coaches and towards people who are striving to become the best version of themselves through boxing.

4. As a former amateur boxer, what drove you to become a boxing coach?

From the moment I started boxing, I knew I would stay in this industry. I loved the sport as an athlete, but I love it even more now as a coach—sharing my experiences, passing on what I’ve learned, and continuing to grow and evolve myself.

My main drive is simple: I love boxing. I love sharing my knowledge and helping fighters become the best version of themselves. Owning GateKeeper Boxing Club at such a young age is something I’m incredibly grateful for. I’m thankful for everyone who supports the gym and follows me on this journey. It does come with pressure and stress because I want my boxers to succeed—but it’s a healthy kind of stress that pushes us all forward.

5. How would you describe the New Zealand boxing industry?

The boxing industry in New Zealand is small, and once you’re involved, you quickly get to know a lot of people. It’s a tight-knit community built on respect and shared passion.

6. What’s the best feeling you’ve ever had as a boxer and as a coach?

As a boxer, winning always feels great, but sparring is one of my favourite experiences. It allows you to test yourself, to give and take, without the pressure of competition. As a coach, the feeling is different. It’s about overcoming challenges and barriers together as a team. It’s about watching athletes face their fears and grow from them. Fear is like fire in life: if you learn to control it, it can give you strength and power. If you don’t, it can destroy you.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/5a8f3d_3d9493e468314a58bd558390a42412a0/480p/mp4/file.mp4

7. What advice would you give to someone who wants to step into the ring one day?

Ninety percent of the work comes from you. The other ten percent is your coach, your teammates, and your club. You’re the one putting in the work and the sweat. Champions become champions because they start—and because they stay consistent.

Self-motivation and discipline are everything in boxing.

8. Your current favourite quote?

“You don’t really know who you are until you’re forced to fight for it.”