Boxing revival a success with finals

By Sapeer Mayron 23 December 2018, 12:00AM

The Marist Boxing Club had its final matches yesterday with a Christmas in the Ring special in Siumu. 

Guests were treated to a visit from young champions, Commonwealth Games silver medallist Ato Plodzicki Faoagaoli (19) and Henry Tyrell, who at just 27 has fought in two Commonwealth Games.

Marist coach Tavui Mike Lemisio said the matches attracted an audience of at least 80 people, who supported everyone, from the junior matches all the way to the adults.

“It is great exposure for boxing, especially with the Pacific Games coming up next year,” Tavui said.

Off the back of a successful tour in New Zealand, the Marist coach said the revival of boxing here is up and running.

“The best thing about this is to push boxing in Samoa, to encourage the parents to support their kids to believe in themselves.

“It’s about development, and going to grassroots,” he said.

The tournament wasn’t just for Samoan boxers, either, with three Tongan athletes participating as well.

“The audience was pretty calm, until Samoa and Tonga fought each other and then there was a lot of cheering for Samoa,” said Tavui.

The matches were held in the A.O.G Hall in Sa’aga, Siumu. 

The juniors division of boxers aged between nine and 13 played for trophies sponsored by Lautafi Selafi Purcell, Minister for Commerce, Industry and Labour, and the elite division trophies were sponsored by Steven and Ato Faoagali and their family.

Tavui said there are two more tournaments scheduled for next year in anticipation of the Pacific Games in July. 

Results to come.

By Sapeer Mayron 23 December 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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