The Acting President of the Samoa Amateur Boxing Association (S.A.B.A.), Papali’i Pasi Poloa, has welcomed the decision by the Samoa Sports Dispute Tribunal in relation to the future development of the sport.

He said the ruling delivered last week would help clear up the confusion that reigns over the sport’s different constitutions.

Cabinet had ordered the Tribunal to look into the removal of rugby legend, Fesola’i Va’aiga Tu’igamala, as President of the Samoa Amateur Boxing Association (S.A.B.A.). The Tribunal had also been asked to investigate:

• Whether the Annual General Meeting of S.A.B.A. on 10 November 2017 and whether correct and proper procedures were followed at this meeting;

• The current Executive membership of S.A.B.A. and whether such positions held were obtained appropriately;

• The removal of Fesola’i Va’aiga Tuigamala as President of S.A.B.A. whether such removal followed proper procedure and the Constitution of S.A.B.A.; and

• The Constitution of S.A.B.A. and if there are inconsistencies so as to cause confusion.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Papali’i shared both contradicting parties had their faults in terms of abiding by the law.

“The Chairperson for the tribunal made it clear and stated there was no formal amendment to the Constitution. So the Chairperson has declared that all the Constitutions introduced during the different executives are invalid and void,” he said.

“For example there was a time when one Constitution stated that the executive sits in office for a period of five years, whilst another Constitution that was introduced varied from eight years and another for three years.” 

“So I agree with these statements by the Chairperson because we as the executive and the association were not abiding with the constitution, but our practices in electing new executives were out of courtesy and respect for those who were founding members of the association.”

Despite the challenges that the S.A.B.A. undergoes, Papalii said the association is doing their best in terms of getting their team together. 

“If this is the case, then we must amend the constitution and we must accord the proposed amendments to the constitution with the practices that we currently have in place for our association. So I do not object any decision made by the tribunal.” 

“This time we must work towards this decision and put in to place what is required of us. Now that the decision has been made, we are already half way through our work as an executive.” 

“With these eight weeks that has been given to us, we will try our best to achieve what will be a constitution that is practical to us as an organisation, something we can work with.”

Papalii adds boxing is a career that is more than just a sport; it is a platform for local talents to be developed and for the young ones to have exposure. 

“I was the president within the organizations in Upolu and Savaii, right now we are in good shape and we have our leaders and also facilities.”

“For instance, Ato also started with us, he was registered under Marist and then he was given to our team for guidance and training, even the other game in Vanuatu, we got our Gold and Silver medals and nearly all the competing kids got a medal,” Papalii said.