The media don't fool all of us

Pin-up fight boys on reality hit list Stuff.co.nz

The following news item is written by a Neil Reid. I will struggle, after reading this, to believe a word this man writes, ever again.

Soulan Pownceby

Two pin-up boys of the New Zealand fight scene – controversial Olympian Soulan Pownceby and kickboxing legend Shane "Chopper" Chapman – are being lined up to fight on the Kiwi series of hit reality TV boxing show The Contender.

Also on the hit-list for talent scouts are Daniel McKinnon, Moyoyo Mensah, Robbie Berridge and American import Jameson Bostic.

They would form a six-strong New Zealand team to take on an Australian team in a series to be filmed in Auckland early next year.

"Getting Soulan and Shane on board would be huge for the profile of the show," a boxing insider said.

"Both are class performers, have proven records and plenty of supporters. They would certainly make the show a must-watch."

While he has a proven record in the ring, Pownceby's selection as a member of the New Zealand team at the 2004 Athens Olympics was widely debated.

He said before the team's departure: "If I don't go to the Games I have nothing".

Pownceby said the debate had been "the biggest pounding I've ever had, spiritually".

He said he had endured hardship throughout his life.

His sister was murdered by her partner in 1990. The man then killed himself.

His father, a United States Navy serviceman, had never recognised him. His mother died of cancer in 1993.

Sunday News revealed plans for the TV show –a co-production between Sky TV and Australian TV network Foxtel – last weekend. It is understood weekly "Bledisloe Cup" bouts are to be held in a purpose-built venue, and the final at Auckland's Vector Arena.

The series is expected to be co-hosted by Australian-based ex-Kiwi model Charlotte Dawson and retired league great Steve Price.

Why would Neil, and The Sunday News attempt to make this man out to be some kind of hero, that had overcome adversity, and gone on to do great things with his life, when that could not be further from the truth?

Here is the real story regarding Soulan Pownceby ...and his criminal offending, which includes the "manslaughter"  of his 5 month old daughter.

Why do the media feel the need to attack people, and invade the lives of people that have done absolutely nothing wrong...yet they protect a monster like this? No - protect is not even the correct word - glorify is more appropriate.

I am just gobsmacked at this reporting.