Fight Night for higher honours

By Sina Filifilia Seva’aetasi 12 May 2017, 12:00AM

Tonight is the showdown of the year: the Vailima Pound 4 Pound Fight for the Samoa Amateur Boxing Association (S.A.B.A.)

This fight night will be the final trial for boxers hoping to make the national team to represent Samoa in the Oceania Championships so you can be sure the fighters will be at their best as they vie for a place.

 It is also a great night of entertainment as corporate bouts will feature rival taxi stands and business competitors for a night of hits, misses and surprising skills. 

The fighters have already had their official weigh ins, and are ready to rumble. 

Yesterday at Taumeasina Island Resort, the president of the Marist Boxing, Tavui Mike Lemisio, president Fesoloa’i Va’aiga Tuigamala and the General Manager of Taumeasina Island Resort Nathan Bucknall sat in awe of the great field of talent displayed before them.

Tonight’s bouts will also feature overseas boxers who are keen to represent their homeland on the world stage. 

Tavui Mike Lemisio said, “This is the pathway for our young boxers.” 

“It is important to give everyone who has Samoan blood where ever you are, the same chance as the locals,” said.   

Fesoloa’i Va’aiga Tuigamala  echoed the sentiment.  

He said, “We’ve got an incredible pool of talent in Samoa. This is a great pathway for our fighters to get to the world stage. ”  

“Oceania plays an important role for our fighters because if they win or are runners-up, they will automatically  qualify for the World Championships in Hamburg, Germany.“

The boxing community is preparing for a number of international competitions to expose our fighters to the world.

However, these plans do come at a cost. 

Fesoloa’i said, “Everything costs money and this whole night will be a fundraiser for S.A.B.A. to try and send these young kids to fulfil their dreams.”

Tonight’s proceeds will go towards funding the trip for the fighters selected in the national team.  

Apart from the amateur bouts, the corporate bouts are sure to be three rounds of  pure entertainment. 

The General Manager of Taumeasina Nathan Bucknall also laid down a challenge for other resorts to compete against his champion. 

He said, “This is a call out to all the resorts in Samoa and Savai’i.  Taumeasina seems to be the only resort getting involved.  Big call out to you all to come and take on the Taumeasina representatives.”   

Rival taxi stands and more are preparing for a night you won’t want to miss. 

The bouts begin at 6pm at Gym 1, Tuainaimato.

By Sina Filifilia Seva’aetasi 12 May 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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