July 23, 2025 • 19 mins
On Sports Fix with D'Arcy Waldegrave for Wednesday July 23rd 2025 - is it a resurrection? One of sports' greatest comebacks? The Commonwealth Games’ future is looking bright. NZOC CEO Nicki Nicol joins us to talk through the changes put in place to make the Games a relevant going-concern in the new era of multi sports hosting.
D’Arcy celebrates Anton Leinert-Brown's new contract, but wonders why sabbaticals are even announced. It’s a given, right?
In the Chamber, D’Arc and NZ Herald scribe Chris ‘Kal El’ Reive touch on the Black success - but mostly just yarn about 2 big Kiwi UFC tales.
Big thanks to GJ Gardner Homes - New Zealand's most trusted home builder.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB follow
this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
This is Sportsfix. Howard by News Talk said, be here
we go again.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Were welcome to the sports FX podcast. Manamue Darcy Walter
Grave on with you. Finished ten fifteen twenty odd minutes.
I can't tell how long it's going to be, but
we're aiming in that general direction. It is a Wednesday,
It's the twenty third of July twenty twenty five, and
on today's edition, I'm going to have a wee chat
with Nicky Nichol, which is the chief executive Officer of
(00:43):
the New Zealand Olympic to Mi Sie, the Commonwealth Games
is far from dead. Say that event was on its knees,
but it looks like it's standing up again. Nick He
joins it shortly to discuss, oh, shoot my mouth off,
around the subject of Anton Lennett Brown Albe. He's resigned,
he's got a sabbatical. Nothing to see here. Let's just
(01:04):
ride up in their contract at the start of the
day and be done with it right and we'll be
joined in the chamber by kel l that's Chris Reeve
he's a writer for New Zealand. Helm. I don't have
to explain that nickname, surely I don't. That's our plan
and thanks very much to DJ Gardner Holmes, as per
New Zealand's most trusted home builder, put in theirweight behind
(01:25):
us here on the.
Speaker 1 (01:26):
Fix, in other news.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
And in the sounds of sport today, the black Cats
are after a rollicking start under the watchful live new
coach Rob Walter. They beat up on the Protest overnight,
making it three on the bouts for them in Southern Africa.
Side it had a decent crack, providing sixty six off
forty eight the eight wickets T twenty I win. The
(01:51):
next nature of the tour is definitely working for her.
Speaker 3 (01:56):
But yeah, we've had some unbelievable nights as well. It
has some surprise and we.
Speaker 2 (02:01):
Had a Bidway traditional dancing and then songs last night.
Speaker 4 (02:04):
I think a few of us are off to Safari tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (02:08):
A fern curen Berger should be one of the first
players to ever go at Supernaple across the Ditch. After
people in New Zealand relax their eligibility laws, firties hardly
leaping at the opportunity are we bit of year now.
Speaker 5 (02:25):
It could be a tedious and long process too, and
where the players want to go through that, who knows,
so never say never, But like I'm really I'm pretty
happy with the tactics.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
Tea and Venus Williams has tasted the victory on the
WTA well. For the first time since twenty twenty three.
The veteran tennis player beat world number thirty five Peyton
Stearns in her opening match in the Washington Open. It's
Venus's first singles match in sixteen months at level forty five.
(02:56):
She plainly doesn't see age as effected.
Speaker 3 (03:01):
Venus Williams back with the bag to become the oldest
WTA two or winner since two thousand and four.
Speaker 2 (03:12):
And that's an Air for Sport for you Today.
Speaker 1 (03:16):
News an opinion, it's Force Vex with Dancy Valdegreve.
Speaker 2 (03:22):
Anton Lennet Brown aka LB has signed on the dotted
line to carry on paying his trade for the Chiefs
and of course the All Blacks. This is not unusual,
nothing to bat An Island at, although it's always nice
to know that our veteran players are going to carry
on because it's that representation at the World Cup that's
(03:43):
going to make a huge difference. He's also getting a sabbatical.
He's going to tear away with Ardie Savia and go
and play in Japan's League one and twenty twenty six.
For the Cobby stealers. This is a given. This always
happens if you're a senior player and you want to
go away and make some money and I suppose, in
(04:05):
the odd case actually improve your rugby like Jordi Barrett
did when he went over to Ireland. A sabbatical is in.
Still the big headline would be Ardie Savilla or Anton
Lennott Brown or Jeordie Barrett sign on for another three years.
But they are denied a sabbatical. New Zealand Rugby will
not let them go. They're all going to go. Everybody's
(04:26):
going to let them go away and make some spare coin.
It's not about the rest, it's about carrying on benefiting
from the fact you are an All Black. How about
this ten matches into your test career. You sign a
piece of paper that says after forty you can go
and play we you want, for whoever you want, and
we won't hold that against you. When it comes to
(04:49):
All Black selection, it's easy, it's simple. It's done. The
argument's about sabbaticals disappeared. It's no longer a headline. It's
no longer something to fret and worry about. It just
is what it is, because at the moment it is
so youse sabbatical, as hard and long as you want.
It's no longer a question of being granted permission to
(05:11):
do that. It's simply a part of your contract and
part of being a senior All Black rep. There you go,
simple beating of vex.
Speaker 1 (05:21):
We've got just the ticket. It's sports VEX powered by
Newstalks IV.
Speaker 2 (05:26):
We'll join now in the sports X podcast by a
chief executive officer of the New Zealand Olympic Committee, Nicky Nickel,
with stories of the resurrection of the Commonwealth Games. Look,
it was all but dead right, but interest has sprung back.
This is extraordinary stuff, Nikki. What a good news story.
Speaker 4 (05:48):
It has been an amazing resurrection and a lot there's
still a lot of work to be done, but it's
exciting that firstly Glasgow put their hand up and we
still will have a really important and material games. But
the interest post twenty twenty six for twenty thirty and
thirty four is already really strong and unprecedented in twenty
thirty with five countries already putting their hands on.
Speaker 2 (06:08):
What's driven this? Where does this come from? Well?
Speaker 4 (06:12):
I think it's a number of factors, but I think
one of them is international sport is still really important.
And you know, even for New Zealander's the Commonwealth Games
is in our top three global sports and globally the
Commonwealth Games is in the top ten. So it's still
a material product in that international landscape. And I also
think as with Olympics, as with Commonwealth Games, we're now
(06:35):
coming up with models that make it much more sustainable
and so Glasgow started that process and I think whoever
gets twenty thirty and beyond that much more economically attractive
than where they've been in the past. So yeah, I
think that's all good for international sport.
Speaker 2 (06:49):
Well, that's enormous for big multi sport events such as
this in the Olympic Games, that's got to be next
As far as sustainability, we all just don't have the
money anymore. You known want a legacy of debt, and
I think you can attack that the Olympics in some way,
shape or form at the Commonwealth Games. I suppose leading
the pack in what they're doing there and it's had
(07:11):
buying from all over the Commonwealth.
Speaker 4 (07:14):
You're absolutely right, and I think it's the little things, like,
you know, we are going to have to change some
of the ways that we interact or that you know,
we participate in the Games. And for example, you know
our teams will be staying in hotels this time around
in Glasgow. Not enough time to build a village. And
actually they don't want a village. I've got great infrastructure
on the back of twenty fourteen and they just want
(07:36):
to make sure that that you know, supporting infrastructure is
used as often as possible. So again, being innovative and
creative has come up with some different options and will
embrace that. Our team will embrace it. And the important
thing for them is what happens, you know, on the
field or in the pool or on the court, and
that's still you know, sacriscanct and what was being put together.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
Well, please tell me they're not going to spend two
hundred million dollars on an opening ceremony, because to me,
that's still one of the most phenomenal wastes of money
at any big sporting event like that. They're going to
keep it down. I'm not still to getting the mayor
and just cut a ribbon, but that's going to be
pulled back a bit.
Speaker 4 (08:10):
Right, It's absolutely going to be peered back, and certainly
Commonwealth sport. You know, that's been the strong message from
them is, you know, we don't want to see cities,
countries investing in that. There are too many other important
things that we all need across our communities and so
it will be a paired back. It's still be special,
it's still be important, but it won't be you know,
(08:30):
the all singing and dancing that we've had in the past.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
It's called reading the room and it's very very important
in this day and age. So let's go to New
Zealand's hopes and dreams to hosting a common game. This
is not locked and loaded. This is something that you're
still trying to reel in the chances, the possibilities. How
are you feeling, whre's your confidence level?
Speaker 4 (08:53):
Yeah, we're really excited and we think New Zealand would
be amazing at hosting a games. We look back at
our legacy from nineteen ninety those that are in the
nineteen seventy four, you know, just over fifty years ago,
so you know, they're really big milestones. You know, the
twenty eleven World Cup, the Women's World Cups that we
had through twenty two to twenty three. You know, these
are really well regarded. You know, the community lifts, the
(09:17):
volunteers that get involved are just awesome events. So that's
certainly our aspiration and ambition. There's lots of work to
be done and we're still waiting on you know, the
process to be outlined from Commonwealth Sport, but at the
moment we are really optimistic that we can pull something
really special together for our athletes, for our sports, but
also for the New Zealand community.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
In the current climate, the economic climate, it's probably a
stretch to demand a handful of money from the government,
but I'm presuming they're going to be or not entirely
footing the bill, but their contribution will be large. How
do you justify that?
Speaker 4 (09:56):
Yeah, and that's certainly why twenty thirty we have not
entertained the idea. We think that's far too soon. We
all know how tough it's been for New Zealand. So
that's why twenty thirty four is the window that we
are looking at, and you know, we believe if we've
got you know, the economy going well and lots of
positive things, and it's a good investment and there'll be
a good return on that investment. You're right, though, there's
(10:17):
other commercial revenue tickets, sponsorships, broadcasts that all go into
the mix as well. But there will still be you know,
the residual will still need to be found from within
the coffers and so we're trying to do everything we
can as well to understand what that could look like
and how affordable it can be.
Speaker 2 (10:33):
The CEO of Olympic Committee, Nicking Nickel, joins us. As
far as the movable feast, that is the game, we've
seen lots changed, they've shrunk the table, they've taken some
of the dishes away. But is this likely to carry
on shape shifting throughout the next four, eight, twelve years.
Is it very much up for grabs what the Commonwealth
(10:54):
Games will bring?
Speaker 4 (10:57):
Yeah, so this time a man, as you know, Darcy,
it's ten sports, which have got six sports with how
are disciplines within but certainly the Commonwealth Sports intent for
future games is that the blueprint will have at least
fifteen and they think somewhere between fifteen to eighteen sports
will be that sweet spot. And I think that gets
us back to the games of old. And you know,
(11:19):
again it is sustainable and a word that's used often,
but it is important because we want that legacy to continue.
Speaker 1 (11:25):
The Chamber is now in session on Sportsfax.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
The doors to the Chamber swing open and looks a ladi.
It's in New Zealand Herald described Kalal Chris Reeve, welcome
into the chamber. Grade to have you on board. Has
been a very interesting week. You're a man fight sport fan.
We know this, We've heard on it before, we read
your articles over this and you know I've got a
bit of a passion for the game as well, quite frankly,
(11:49):
and this week, well, I suppose the big story is
not the first signing from a woman's athlete in the
Big Game, but the fact that now our host Sterling
has got another shot in September back in Perth. This
says a lot for the way this guy is shaping up.
Speaker 6 (12:08):
Yeah, Navajo signed against Rudolfo Balata, who's a little bit
of a finisher himself. He's got seven knockouts for submissions.
So he's got the game that can test Navajo and
it's another step forward for Navajo. They're building him quite nicely.
They gave him someone who he pretty much ran through
quite easily in his first one, you know, very lopsided decision.
(12:32):
His second fight was against just an out and out
boxer who did test him early. Navajo came through the
fire there, almost finished it at the end of the fight,
but got another pretty convincing decision. And now he's got
a bit more of an all rounder who will really
test him. And Navajo referred to him as a kill
or be killed type fighter who's going to come forward
(12:54):
and try and put it on him. And that's the
kind of fight at the stage in his career. And
have Ajo wants what have we.
Speaker 2 (13:00):
Learned about Navajo Sterling in the two fights so far?
We know about him previously, But what I suppose you
start showing your true colors. You're in the spotlight of UFC.
You can't hide anywhere. What have we learned about him?
What has to improve and what's already right up there?
Do you think? Yeah?
Speaker 6 (13:18):
I mean, you you word it really well by saying
you can't hide once you get into the UFC. You know,
that's the top level of the sport. These guys, even
in those first few fights, these are going to be
good opponents.
Speaker 2 (13:30):
Well they made show up really well because it's a product.
They're not going to give you any journeyman in rubbish,
so they want to give you what's going to be
great matchups. So the thing, so what is he what
does he want?
Speaker 6 (13:40):
So what we need to see a little bit more
from him is his ground game. We know he's an
elite level striker that there's been a bread and butter
from the get go. You know, he's a multiple time
king and the ring champion, and we've seen in his
UFC fights so far, even as Contender Series fight that
got him his contract, you know, a nice composed performance
that finished with a really definitive left hook to get
(14:03):
the win.
Speaker 2 (14:04):
That's what fans they want to be excited. They love
a good st right, But when you start getting down
to the nitty gritty, you're becoming a champion. We've seen
Israels in your back of the day, maybe struggle to
a degree. He's to be saying that I'm in all
sorts of trouble. But yes, when it comes to the ground.
He has to bring this to the form because there
are especially I suppose Eastern European athletes. He'll tear him
(14:24):
apart if he wasn't prepared. He can't do this right,
he can, he can.
Speaker 6 (14:28):
He's a very very hard worker. So I've a few
years ago I did a few jiu jitsu classes at
City Kickboxing, just the kind of you know, Tuesday evening.
Anyone can show up, just kind of you know, and
navahos there with the plubs, going through his work, going
through the minor basics, you know, learning all the very
(14:50):
little things. So that guy lives in the gym and
has been like that since he made the move up
from Wellington. He's just tried so hard to become an
all round athlete, and we have seen a little bit
of it. But it's a little bit like Carlos Alberg, right,
He's showed a little bit more with every single UFC
fight he's and now he's number three in the world,
(15:11):
and I think Navajo has a very similar pathway to
the top. Just keep improving, keep getting the winds and
do it emphatically where you can build the I guess
the support for you, not just in New Zealand, but
the wider fan base as well, and just work your
way up to the top.
Speaker 2 (15:28):
Very saleable athlete ofve this note doubt. Let's go to
the Wahine because Michelle Montague, that is a name that
kind of rings a bell. But really, if I was challenged,
I wouldn't know. But Michelle's done something quite extraordinary, hasn't she.
And she's a New Zealander, but she's done it for
Florida via Russia.
Speaker 6 (15:47):
Yeah, it's an interesting one. So Michelle's from Mattamatta. She's
the first New Zealander to sign a UFC contract. She
started at COREYMMA and Hamilton was pretty good on the
amateur scene. She won a lightweight world championship a few
years ago. She went over to Russia to compete in
an amateur European competition and couldn't get back home. This
(16:11):
was during COVID and she couldn't get one of the
exemptions back into the country and just decided she'd go
hang out in Florida and yeah, stay there. That's where
she's been for the last few years. So she's training
at American Top Team down in Florida, which is with
Kayla Harrison. UFC Bantomoy Champion Dustin Poorio's trained there a
(16:33):
whole heap of these elite UFC fighters. She's been quite
close with Kayla Harrison since she moved down there, and
those two working together not only helps bring her level up,
but also shows her the pathway to what she needs
to do. So Michelle's come from a wrestling background Commonwealth
Games wrestler, and Kayla's Olympic Games gold medalist and judo,
(16:57):
so quite similar backgrounds, and Kayla has been dominant and
now we'll get to see what Michelle has learned and
how good she can be in the best promotion. And
she's six and zero as a pro but with PFL.
I talked to her coach, Carlo from corym m A
this morning and he says she's really only been tested
(17:17):
in two fights. So the big question now that she
signed with the top level is how good is that
step up to the base level UFC fighters.
Speaker 2 (17:27):
Just a quick one on the cricket, great start for
a Walter. This young sh team, although cert is actually young,
but Les, what would you call this black Caps team?
And when they play for New Zealand do you call
them a B team or a team, or just they're
the black Caps.
Speaker 6 (17:42):
Yeah, I mean you just have to take them as
the black Caps, all right. I mean yeah, someone might
say it's a little bit of a B team with
some players being unavailable, but man, the way they're performing,
you just go, guys, run with it.
Speaker 2 (17:55):
We's been impressiveone's going to steal your position.
Speaker 6 (17:59):
Yeah, absolutely, I mean three wins and they've all been
pretty comfortable, pretty convincing wins of that.
Speaker 2 (18:05):
So against the South African team pretty much in their
own backyard or just up the road Awi, and they're
playing them beginning one overnight Saturday through Sunday.
Speaker 6 (18:14):
Yeah, so they've got another one against Zimbabwe first I believe,
and then yeah, into the final against South Africa. So
hopefully they can kick things off, stay perfect and win
a championship straight up.
Speaker 2 (18:26):
And you'll find it on TV three, right three. Now
there you go, I'll it eventually. Chris Reeve out of
the New Zealand hera al things. Very much for your
time and your expertise. Now get out of here, okay.
Speaker 1 (18:39):
Dissecting the sporting agenda. It's Sports Vex with Dancy Waldgrave and.
Speaker 2 (18:44):
That's said for the Sportsvex podcast. Say thanks for tuning in.
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(19:07):
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Looking forward to bringing you the Fix again with GJ.
Gardner Holmes, New Zealand's most trusted home builder. Out of
(19:29):
here for more.
Speaker 1 (19:30):
From news Talks at b Listen live on air or online,
and keep our shows with you wherever you go with
our podcasts on Iartradio
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB follow
this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
This is Sportsfix. Howard by News Talk said, be here
we go again.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Were welcome to the sports FX podcast. Manamue Darcy Walter
Grave on with you. Finished ten fifteen twenty odd minutes.
I can't tell how long it's going to be, but
we're aiming in that general direction. It is a Wednesday,
It's the twenty third of July twenty twenty five, and
on today's edition, I'm going to have a wee chat
with Nicky Nichol, which is the chief executive Officer of
(00:43):
the New Zealand Olympic to Mi Sie, the Commonwealth Games
is far from dead. Say that event was on its knees,
but it looks like it's standing up again. Nick He
joins it shortly to discuss, oh, shoot my mouth off,
around the subject of Anton Lennett Brown Albe. He's resigned,
he's got a sabbatical. Nothing to see here. Let's just
(01:04):
ride up in their contract at the start of the
day and be done with it right and we'll be
joined in the chamber by kel l that's Chris Reeve
he's a writer for New Zealand. Helm. I don't have
to explain that nickname, surely I don't. That's our plan
and thanks very much to DJ Gardner Holmes, as per
New Zealand's most trusted home builder, put in theirweight behind
(01:25):
us here on the.
Speaker 1 (01:26):
Fix, in other news.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
And in the sounds of sport today, the black Cats
are after a rollicking start under the watchful live new
coach Rob Walter. They beat up on the Protest overnight,
making it three on the bouts for them in Southern Africa.
Side it had a decent crack, providing sixty six off
forty eight the eight wickets T twenty I win. The
(01:51):
next nature of the tour is definitely working for her.
Speaker 3 (01:56):
But yeah, we've had some unbelievable nights as well. It
has some surprise and we.
Speaker 2 (02:01):
Had a Bidway traditional dancing and then songs last night.
Speaker 4 (02:04):
I think a few of us are off to Safari tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (02:08):
A fern curen Berger should be one of the first
players to ever go at Supernaple across the Ditch. After
people in New Zealand relax their eligibility laws, firties hardly
leaping at the opportunity are we bit of year now.
Speaker 5 (02:25):
It could be a tedious and long process too, and
where the players want to go through that, who knows,
so never say never, But like I'm really I'm pretty
happy with the tactics.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
Tea and Venus Williams has tasted the victory on the
WTA well. For the first time since twenty twenty three.
The veteran tennis player beat world number thirty five Peyton
Stearns in her opening match in the Washington Open. It's
Venus's first singles match in sixteen months at level forty five.
(02:56):
She plainly doesn't see age as effected.
Speaker 3 (03:01):
Venus Williams back with the bag to become the oldest
WTA two or winner since two thousand and four.
Speaker 2 (03:12):
And that's an Air for Sport for you Today.
Speaker 1 (03:16):
News an opinion, it's Force Vex with Dancy Valdegreve.
Speaker 2 (03:22):
Anton Lennet Brown aka LB has signed on the dotted
line to carry on paying his trade for the Chiefs
and of course the All Blacks. This is not unusual,
nothing to bat An Island at, although it's always nice
to know that our veteran players are going to carry
on because it's that representation at the World Cup that's
(03:43):
going to make a huge difference. He's also getting a sabbatical.
He's going to tear away with Ardie Savia and go
and play in Japan's League one and twenty twenty six.
For the Cobby stealers. This is a given. This always
happens if you're a senior player and you want to
go away and make some money and I suppose, in
(04:05):
the odd case actually improve your rugby like Jordi Barrett
did when he went over to Ireland. A sabbatical is in.
Still the big headline would be Ardie Savilla or Anton
Lennott Brown or Jeordie Barrett sign on for another three years.
But they are denied a sabbatical. New Zealand Rugby will
not let them go. They're all going to go. Everybody's
(04:26):
going to let them go away and make some spare coin.
It's not about the rest, it's about carrying on benefiting
from the fact you are an All Black. How about
this ten matches into your test career. You sign a
piece of paper that says after forty you can go
and play we you want, for whoever you want, and
we won't hold that against you. When it comes to
(04:49):
All Black selection, it's easy, it's simple. It's done. The
argument's about sabbaticals disappeared. It's no longer a headline. It's
no longer something to fret and worry about. It just
is what it is, because at the moment it is
so youse sabbatical, as hard and long as you want.
It's no longer a question of being granted permission to
(05:11):
do that. It's simply a part of your contract and
part of being a senior All Black rep. There you go,
simple beating of vex.
Speaker 1 (05:21):
We've got just the ticket. It's sports VEX powered by
Newstalks IV.
Speaker 2 (05:26):
We'll join now in the sports X podcast by a
chief executive officer of the New Zealand Olympic Committee, Nicky Nickel,
with stories of the resurrection of the Commonwealth Games. Look,
it was all but dead right, but interest has sprung back.
This is extraordinary stuff, Nikki. What a good news story.
Speaker 4 (05:48):
It has been an amazing resurrection and a lot there's
still a lot of work to be done, but it's
exciting that firstly Glasgow put their hand up and we
still will have a really important and material games. But
the interest post twenty twenty six for twenty thirty and
thirty four is already really strong and unprecedented in twenty
thirty with five countries already putting their hands on.
Speaker 2 (06:08):
What's driven this? Where does this come from? Well?
Speaker 4 (06:12):
I think it's a number of factors, but I think
one of them is international sport is still really important.
And you know, even for New Zealander's the Commonwealth Games
is in our top three global sports and globally the
Commonwealth Games is in the top ten. So it's still
a material product in that international landscape. And I also
think as with Olympics, as with Commonwealth Games, we're now
(06:35):
coming up with models that make it much more sustainable
and so Glasgow started that process and I think whoever
gets twenty thirty and beyond that much more economically attractive
than where they've been in the past. So yeah, I
think that's all good for international sport.
Speaker 2 (06:49):
Well, that's enormous for big multi sport events such as
this in the Olympic Games, that's got to be next
As far as sustainability, we all just don't have the
money anymore. You known want a legacy of debt, and
I think you can attack that the Olympics in some way,
shape or form at the Commonwealth Games. I suppose leading
the pack in what they're doing there and it's had
(07:11):
buying from all over the Commonwealth.
Speaker 4 (07:14):
You're absolutely right, and I think it's the little things, like,
you know, we are going to have to change some
of the ways that we interact or that you know,
we participate in the Games. And for example, you know
our teams will be staying in hotels this time around
in Glasgow. Not enough time to build a village. And
actually they don't want a village. I've got great infrastructure
on the back of twenty fourteen and they just want
(07:36):
to make sure that that you know, supporting infrastructure is
used as often as possible. So again, being innovative and
creative has come up with some different options and will
embrace that. Our team will embrace it. And the important
thing for them is what happens, you know, on the
field or in the pool or on the court, and
that's still you know, sacriscanct and what was being put together.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
Well, please tell me they're not going to spend two
hundred million dollars on an opening ceremony, because to me,
that's still one of the most phenomenal wastes of money
at any big sporting event like that. They're going to
keep it down. I'm not still to getting the mayor
and just cut a ribbon, but that's going to be
pulled back a bit.
Speaker 4 (08:10):
Right, It's absolutely going to be peered back, and certainly
Commonwealth sport. You know, that's been the strong message from
them is, you know, we don't want to see cities,
countries investing in that. There are too many other important
things that we all need across our communities and so
it will be a paired back. It's still be special,
it's still be important, but it won't be you know,
(08:30):
the all singing and dancing that we've had in the past.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
It's called reading the room and it's very very important
in this day and age. So let's go to New
Zealand's hopes and dreams to hosting a common game. This
is not locked and loaded. This is something that you're
still trying to reel in the chances, the possibilities. How
are you feeling, whre's your confidence level?
Speaker 4 (08:53):
Yeah, we're really excited and we think New Zealand would
be amazing at hosting a games. We look back at
our legacy from nineteen ninety those that are in the
nineteen seventy four, you know, just over fifty years ago,
so you know, they're really big milestones. You know, the
twenty eleven World Cup, the Women's World Cups that we
had through twenty two to twenty three. You know, these
are really well regarded. You know, the community lifts, the
(09:17):
volunteers that get involved are just awesome events. So that's
certainly our aspiration and ambition. There's lots of work to
be done and we're still waiting on you know, the
process to be outlined from Commonwealth Sport, but at the
moment we are really optimistic that we can pull something
really special together for our athletes, for our sports, but
also for the New Zealand community.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
In the current climate, the economic climate, it's probably a
stretch to demand a handful of money from the government,
but I'm presuming they're going to be or not entirely
footing the bill, but their contribution will be large. How
do you justify that?
Speaker 4 (09:56):
Yeah, and that's certainly why twenty thirty we have not
entertained the idea. We think that's far too soon. We
all know how tough it's been for New Zealand. So
that's why twenty thirty four is the window that we
are looking at, and you know, we believe if we've
got you know, the economy going well and lots of
positive things, and it's a good investment and there'll be
a good return on that investment. You're right, though, there's
(10:17):
other commercial revenue tickets, sponsorships, broadcasts that all go into
the mix as well. But there will still be you know,
the residual will still need to be found from within
the coffers and so we're trying to do everything we
can as well to understand what that could look like
and how affordable it can be.
Speaker 2 (10:33):
The CEO of Olympic Committee, Nicking Nickel, joins us. As
far as the movable feast, that is the game, we've
seen lots changed, they've shrunk the table, they've taken some
of the dishes away. But is this likely to carry
on shape shifting throughout the next four, eight, twelve years.
Is it very much up for grabs what the Commonwealth
(10:54):
Games will bring?
Speaker 4 (10:57):
Yeah, so this time a man, as you know, Darcy,
it's ten sports, which have got six sports with how
are disciplines within but certainly the Commonwealth Sports intent for
future games is that the blueprint will have at least
fifteen and they think somewhere between fifteen to eighteen sports
will be that sweet spot. And I think that gets
us back to the games of old. And you know,
(11:19):
again it is sustainable and a word that's used often,
but it is important because we want that legacy to continue.
Speaker 1 (11:25):
The Chamber is now in session on Sportsfax.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
The doors to the Chamber swing open and looks a ladi.
It's in New Zealand Herald described Kalal Chris Reeve, welcome
into the chamber. Grade to have you on board. Has
been a very interesting week. You're a man fight sport fan.
We know this, We've heard on it before, we read
your articles over this and you know I've got a
bit of a passion for the game as well, quite frankly,
(11:49):
and this week, well, I suppose the big story is
not the first signing from a woman's athlete in the
Big Game, but the fact that now our host Sterling
has got another shot in September back in Perth. This
says a lot for the way this guy is shaping up.
Speaker 6 (12:08):
Yeah, Navajo signed against Rudolfo Balata, who's a little bit
of a finisher himself. He's got seven knockouts for submissions.
So he's got the game that can test Navajo and
it's another step forward for Navajo. They're building him quite nicely.
They gave him someone who he pretty much ran through
quite easily in his first one, you know, very lopsided decision.
(12:32):
His second fight was against just an out and out
boxer who did test him early. Navajo came through the
fire there, almost finished it at the end of the fight,
but got another pretty convincing decision. And now he's got
a bit more of an all rounder who will really
test him. And Navajo referred to him as a kill
or be killed type fighter who's going to come forward
(12:54):
and try and put it on him. And that's the
kind of fight at the stage in his career. And
have Ajo wants what have we.
Speaker 2 (13:00):
Learned about Navajo Sterling in the two fights so far?
We know about him previously, But what I suppose you
start showing your true colors. You're in the spotlight of UFC.
You can't hide anywhere. What have we learned about him?
What has to improve and what's already right up there?
Do you think? Yeah?
Speaker 6 (13:18):
I mean, you you word it really well by saying
you can't hide once you get into the UFC. You know,
that's the top level of the sport. These guys, even
in those first few fights, these are going to be
good opponents.
Speaker 2 (13:30):
Well they made show up really well because it's a product.
They're not going to give you any journeyman in rubbish,
so they want to give you what's going to be
great matchups. So the thing, so what is he what
does he want?
Speaker 6 (13:40):
So what we need to see a little bit more
from him is his ground game. We know he's an
elite level striker that there's been a bread and butter
from the get go. You know, he's a multiple time
king and the ring champion, and we've seen in his
UFC fights so far, even as Contender Series fight that
got him his contract, you know, a nice composed performance
that finished with a really definitive left hook to get
(14:03):
the win.
Speaker 2 (14:04):
That's what fans they want to be excited. They love
a good st right, But when you start getting down
to the nitty gritty, you're becoming a champion. We've seen
Israels in your back of the day, maybe struggle to
a degree. He's to be saying that I'm in all
sorts of trouble. But yes, when it comes to the ground.
He has to bring this to the form because there
are especially I suppose Eastern European athletes. He'll tear him
(14:24):
apart if he wasn't prepared. He can't do this right,
he can, he can.
Speaker 6 (14:28):
He's a very very hard worker. So I've a few
years ago I did a few jiu jitsu classes at
City Kickboxing, just the kind of you know, Tuesday evening.
Anyone can show up, just kind of you know, and
navahos there with the plubs, going through his work, going
through the minor basics, you know, learning all the very
(14:50):
little things. So that guy lives in the gym and
has been like that since he made the move up
from Wellington. He's just tried so hard to become an
all round athlete, and we have seen a little bit
of it. But it's a little bit like Carlos Alberg, right,
He's showed a little bit more with every single UFC
fight he's and now he's number three in the world,
(15:11):
and I think Navajo has a very similar pathway to
the top. Just keep improving, keep getting the winds and
do it emphatically where you can build the I guess
the support for you, not just in New Zealand, but
the wider fan base as well, and just work your
way up to the top.
Speaker 2 (15:28):
Very saleable athlete ofve this note doubt. Let's go to
the Wahine because Michelle Montague, that is a name that
kind of rings a bell. But really, if I was challenged,
I wouldn't know. But Michelle's done something quite extraordinary, hasn't she.
And she's a New Zealander, but she's done it for
Florida via Russia.
Speaker 6 (15:47):
Yeah, it's an interesting one. So Michelle's from Mattamatta. She's
the first New Zealander to sign a UFC contract. She
started at COREYMMA and Hamilton was pretty good on the
amateur scene. She won a lightweight world championship a few
years ago. She went over to Russia to compete in
an amateur European competition and couldn't get back home. This
(16:11):
was during COVID and she couldn't get one of the
exemptions back into the country and just decided she'd go
hang out in Florida and yeah, stay there. That's where
she's been for the last few years. So she's training
at American Top Team down in Florida, which is with
Kayla Harrison. UFC Bantomoy Champion Dustin Poorio's trained there a
(16:33):
whole heap of these elite UFC fighters. She's been quite
close with Kayla Harrison since she moved down there, and
those two working together not only helps bring her level up,
but also shows her the pathway to what she needs
to do. So Michelle's come from a wrestling background Commonwealth
Games wrestler, and Kayla's Olympic Games gold medalist and judo,
(16:57):
so quite similar backgrounds, and Kayla has been dominant and
now we'll get to see what Michelle has learned and
how good she can be in the best promotion. And
she's six and zero as a pro but with PFL.
I talked to her coach, Carlo from corym m A
this morning and he says she's really only been tested
(17:17):
in two fights. So the big question now that she
signed with the top level is how good is that
step up to the base level UFC fighters.
Speaker 2 (17:27):
Just a quick one on the cricket, great start for
a Walter. This young sh team, although cert is actually young,
but Les, what would you call this black Caps team?
And when they play for New Zealand do you call
them a B team or a team, or just they're
the black Caps.
Speaker 6 (17:42):
Yeah, I mean you just have to take them as
the black Caps, all right. I mean yeah, someone might
say it's a little bit of a B team with
some players being unavailable, but man, the way they're performing,
you just go, guys, run with it.
Speaker 2 (17:55):
We's been impressiveone's going to steal your position.
Speaker 6 (17:59):
Yeah, absolutely, I mean three wins and they've all been
pretty comfortable, pretty convincing wins of that.
Speaker 2 (18:05):
So against the South African team pretty much in their
own backyard or just up the road Awi, and they're
playing them beginning one overnight Saturday through Sunday.
Speaker 6 (18:14):
Yeah, so they've got another one against Zimbabwe first I believe,
and then yeah, into the final against South Africa. So
hopefully they can kick things off, stay perfect and win
a championship straight up.
Speaker 2 (18:26):
And you'll find it on TV three, right three. Now
there you go, I'll it eventually. Chris Reeve out of
the New Zealand hera al things. Very much for your
time and your expertise. Now get out of here, okay.
Speaker 1 (18:39):
Dissecting the sporting agenda. It's Sports Vex with Dancy Waldgrave and.
Speaker 2 (18:44):
That's said for the Sportsvex podcast. Say thanks for tuning in.
If you want this regularly in your inbox, by all means, subscribe,
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(19:07):
Pintis Monday, I've got the rest and then Jason Pine
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That is our plan. Thanks very much for joining us.
Looking forward to bringing you the Fix again with GJ.
Gardner Holmes, New Zealand's most trusted home builder. Out of
(19:29):
here for more.
Speaker 1 (19:30):
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