Samoa dominates the “2 Samoa’s Battle”

Samoa dominated the 2016 Mosooi International Boxing Championship that was held  at Maliu Mai Resort, American Samoa earlier in the week. 

The team of six consisted of 4 amateur boxers as well as 2 professional.  The amateurs dominated their bracket by winning all of their bouts and bringing home the gold medal, while only one professional lost. 

 The amateur team featured prominent boxers like  2016 World Boxing Championship I silver medalist Henry Tyrell.  At 81 kg’s, Tyrell used his height and experience to dominate his bout , landing a few solid jabs on his opponent within seconds after the  first bell went off. 

Not only does he know how to start strong, but also finished off his opponent in the third round when he powered through and pounded his opponent with body shots until the fight was called, racking up the vicorty tally for Samoa. 

Also Jancen Peneueta had a remarkable bout against an old foe, American Samoa middleweight champion, Toeaso Moetoto.  Peneueta and Moetoto faced off  before in the 2016 Flag Day Boxing Tournament in Samoa in which Moetoto defeated Peneueta.  

This time Peneueta was out for redemption, striking Moetoto so heavily that it almost put him out in his first round.  Peneueta kept  up his attacks until the very end and secured another win for Samoa in a unanimous decision.   

Head Coach Lionel Fatupaito, a  former representative  of Samoa ,  was excited as he spoke to the Samoa Observer about the teams accomplishment.  He said, “they exceeded all my expectations and did well for a small team.”  

The main headliner was the professional bout between Hugo Fata and American Samoa’s, Ofisa Talaimalo.  

Fata was favored heading in to the ring having left the amateur boxing level with an impressive 

record of 31-1 and is renowned for his   incredible speed and skill. 

The bout was scheduled for 4 rounds, and Talaimalo, the underdog, came out swinging getting in a few impressive jabs on Fata in the first round.

 At one point, there was a glimmer of hope for the underdog as he landed a solid jab on Fata that left him in a daze.  

But Fata proved his dominance and finished strong during the last round. He made a momentous comeback by using his experience and skill to land some impressive jabs.     He ultimately won the match by a split decision and ended Talamimalo’s first professional fight with a loss.  

Winners : 

1. 60 Kg Karl Apelu

2. 69kg Jancen Poutoa

3. 75kg John Peneueta

4. 81 kg Henry Tyrell 

Professional 

1. Hugo Fata 

Management and Officials : 

The Team Management

Team Manager: Leaso Usoalii

Head Coach: Lionel Fatupaito

Referee & Judges : Likou 

Ariu and Tuala Sanele Lotu