E138 | Dean Lonergan

Episode summary | Dean Lonergan

Dean Lonergan is one of New Zealand’s biggest and best events promoters.

The many credits to his name include David Tua v Shane Cameron, the Fight for Life, Joseph Parker, the Auckland Nines, Manny Pacquiao v Jeff Horn and many more.

He was also a former rugby league player with the Canberra Raiders and the Kiwis, before he retired at 26 to work breakfast radio on Radio Hauraki before moving into the events and promotions game.

After a series of successful events, he hit rock bottom staring down a $1.8 million financial hole and climbing his way out over four years to link up with Duco. After a messy split with business partner David Higgins he crossed the ditch to pursue new opportunities.

He has since returned to New Zealand and is now in business with his son Liam promoting a new stable of kiwi fighters including Mea Motu.

Show notes | Dean Lonergan

0:00 Dean Lonergan on Mea Motu

7:00 Lani Daniels: the next big thing

11:00 Being authentic in the media

14:20 Doing business in Australia

18:01 The Fight of the Century: Tua v Cameron

23:20 The Fight for Life

28:41 The Morning Pirates on Radio Hauraki

37:23 Working in management for the Warriors

39:53 A rugby league interlude

46:46 Losing it all with Cirque Rocks

54:24 Lessons from failure

57:01 Working with Manny Pacquiao

1:03:29 Jeff Horn and life changing results

1:07:56 Joseph Parker, the Auckland Nines, and Duco Events

1:15:41 The art of selling

1:19:22 Family, fatherhood, and business

1:23:07 Last words from Steve, Seamus, and Dean