Leader of Samoa’s Sporting Bodies behind Samoa’s Son

By Sina Sevaaetasi 09 December 2016, 12:00AM

In less than 48 hours, Lupesoliai La’auliolemalietoa Joseph Parker will  engage in the fight of his life for the WBO Heavyweight Title against Mexican, Andy Ruiz Jr. 

Lupesoliai’s achievements are inspirational for young aspiring Samoan boxers. As we’ve seen the sport skyrocket this year, the Chief Executive Officer of Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (S.A.S.N.O.C) Faamausili Taiva Ah Young weighed in on the prospect of Joseph Parker winning the belt and the immense effect it will have on young aspiring athletes in Samoa.  

“I think the impact of Joseph Parker winning the WBO will be fairly substantial in Samoa. 

I think its going to encourage a lot of athletes to go into boxing but most importantly I think it would be a source of income for families as well,” he told the Samoa Observer.  

Mr. Ah Young offers an interesting perspective because boxing is an Olympic sport. 

As the C.E.O of the governing Olympic sporting body, the ripple effect of Lupesoliai’s win will be immense in the development of the sport.  

He stated, “Boxing is an Olympic sport and it’s really encouraging to see a Samoan who is leading the world in boxing and its going to be a big boost for Samoa as well.  We sincerely hope the aftermath of Joseph winning the W.B.O will flow through to the Samoa community especially the boxers.” 

When asked for a comment on whether or not S.A.S.N.O.C will host a celebration for Lupesoliai when he wins the world title,  Mr. Ah Young commented, “That will be up to the board really but it would be cause for celebration.  After all it’s a world boxing title.   And we really appreciate Joseph Parker coming back every now and then and its really good encouragement for boxers in Samoa.”

By Sina Sevaaetasi 09 December 2016, 12:00AM
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