The Maluafou College put on a rousing welcome for the IBF World Cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia when he visited the school on Monday morning.

The students were awestruck when the world champion walked into the college as they stood in assembly, before they sat down with the staff and put a lei on the Samoan boxer while the Principal Lasi Tavaei put a red necklace around his neck.

Welcoming the boxer to the college, Ms. Tavae said in her speech that it was now an opportunity for the students to hear from the world champion his words of encouragement on the importance of education.

The student body immediately applauded when Mr. Opetaia went up on the podium and was presented with a microphone.

"Thank you for having me here today, I really appreciate it and it's very overwhelming to be here in front of you kids,” the world champion boxer said.

“You work hard and you can do anything, believe in yourself. Thanks for having me and I appreciate it so much.”

Associated with the Tasman Fighters Management Company for professional and amateur fighters in Australia and New Zealand, the company looks to develop the sport of boxing in the region. 

According to Mr. Opetaia, through their efforts they are looking to provide more gateways and opportunities for young aspiring boxers in Samoa to become a world athlete.

Coach Mark Wilson, who has been by the world champion boxer’s side most of his career, assisted in the introduction of the Australian-based boxer and had him flash his cruiserweight world title belt in front of the school.

According to the coach, Mr. Opetaia started fighting at the age of 8, comes from a boxing family and is a fourth generation boxer from his father's side and third from his mother’s. 

He grew up on the southern coast of NSW Australia with his father Samoan and mother Australian.

"Jai Opetaia, he's been a professional since 8 yrs old as far as his attitude towards his sport,” the coach added. 

“He lives a very healthy, clean lifestyle and was the youngest Australian to ever represent Australia in the Olympics at the age of 16 when he was selected into the adult competition."

The event ended at Maluafou College with a few give away activities presented by Digicel Samoa and a photo session with the cruiserweight champion of the world.