After the nation paused on Wednesday to honour the son of Samoa and the heavyweight Champion of the World, Lupesoliai Laauliolemalietoa Joseph Parker, in the party of the year, Faleula continued to party on during a special visit yesterday to the village school.

The champ visited Faleula Primary School to open up a boxing ring and many from the villagers flocked the school in hopes of catching a glimpse of Lupesoliai.

The pride the village has in Lupesoliai was rich in the atmosphere. According to Kome Siole, who hails from Faleula, what Lupesoliai has done for their village and for the nation of Samoa is worth partying on for.

Aged 42, Kome was spotted rushing towards the school so that he could see the champ and hopefully get a handshake.

“Right now I am just happy,” he told the Village Voice.

“I feel blessed that our champ has blessed our village with his visit. It’s always great to see someone who has done so much for our country.

“He is one of the sons of this village and he has done us all proud.”

He explains that the village air is filled with nothing but joy and excitement. Kome continued on to say that the village doors will always be open to the champ.

“If you look around, there’s nothing but joy everywhere you see,” he said.

“People singing and dancing, his presence is very good for our village and our country. We are known around the world because of our champ.

“He will always be welcome in the hearts of the villagers of Faleula.”

And what Lupesoliai has achieved for Samoa will never be forgotten by Faleula.

“I can’t stress enough on how great this is for Samoa,” he said.

“What Joseph did in New Zealand will be remembered for a very long time. He has also become a hero for the many young people of this nation and now with someone they can look up to, they can aspire to greatness.

“Another great thing he has done is taking the flag of Samoa up to the main stage so now the spotlight is on our country.”

In a final message for Lupesoliai, Kome says to keep on achieving greatness for Samoa.

“My message to Joseph is thank you very much for what you have done for Samoa,” he said.

“I wish you all the best for your future fights and continue to make us proud. We here in this village will always be behind you no matter what.

“You will always have a place here to call home. Thank you again, God Bless you champ.“