The visit by the IBF World Cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia to Samoa for the nation's 60th Independence anniversary celebration is no doubt a trip he will always remember. 

Speaking to the local and international media on Monday morning at the Taumeasina Island Resort, the Australian-born Samoan boxer, Mr. Opetaia revealed he will be reuniting with his families in Samoa from Lalomanu and Apia this week. 

But that's not all as his grandaunty, Fiona Opetaia-Alama who currently resides in American Samoa with the family, traveled to Apia with her children and grandchildren to meet Jai for the very first time. 

In an interview with the media, Mrs. Alama said that they could not miss the perfect opportunity to finally meet the grandson of her brother Tapuloa Billy Opetaia, whom she says she is very proud of. 

"Jai's grandfather who was also a boxer during his time is my brother and I am the sixth child of our parents' 14 children," Mrs. Alama told the media. 

"Our parents are Loua Tuiletufuga Opetaia from Apia and Aitu Opetaia from Tufulele and Fasito'o. 

"We are grateful for God's blessings through Jai and we are so proud of his journey and how far he has come along in life."

Mrs. Alama also used the opportunity to express their sincere gratitude to the Samoa Government and people for their ongoing support and prayers for Jai. 

"Recognition is an important thing and we are appreciative of the Samoan people and their support, prayers and respect for Jai. Let us continue to lift him in our prayers and cheer for him as he prepare for the next step of his professional career. 

"We also hope that he will continue to do us proud and continue to carry the name of the country through his career."

In saying that, Mrs. Alama said that they are always concerned every time Jai gets into the ring for a fight. 

"I know you can relate to this feeling, as it is not easy to see your loved one being punched inside the ring, so whenever he is in the ring I just close my eyes until the fight is over." 

She then beamed with smiles as she spoke of how happy she was to finally meet her grand-nephew. 

"Jai was born and raised in Australia," she said. "So actually, this my first time meeting Jai as I moved back to Samoa in 1985. 

"But when our grandmother passed away, I moved to Pago and I've been living there since then. 

"There was one time Jai came to Samoa and stayed at Aggies Hotel, so me and my younger sister flew over to Samoa to see him. 

"But when we got here the people at the hotel told us that he had already left to board his flight back home so we missed out on the opportunity to meet our grand-nephew.

"But we are so grateful to God for granting us this opportunity and we are so happy to spend time with him during this trip."

The IBF World Cruiserweight champion, who proudly represents his Samoan heritage in the ring, said that "family is everything to him". 

"Family is the reason why I do everything I do," Jai said. "It's a big motivation to me an giving my family a better life is something that motivates me every day."

Jai said that being in Samoa, it was "overwhelming" experiencing the warm welcome, recognition, respect and support from the Samoan people since his arrival. 

He further added that he is making the most of his trip to connect with his Samoan roots and learn more about Samoan culture. 

With roots in Apia and Lalomanu, Aleipata, Jai told the media that his family is hosting a big feast for him on Monday, which is something he was looking forward to. 

"I was born and raised in Australia I am still learning my Samoan culture and it's very important to me," he said. 

"Every time I come I get in touch with my Samoan side and I get educated every time I come home, and I am looking to meeting the family and learning more about my roots because I've got Samoan blood running through my veins. 

"And I want to feel more at home every time I come here."

When asked if he would consider getting a traditional Samoan tattoo, Jai said: "I feel like it will be an honor to wear it but I feel like I need to get more in touch with my culture to deserve that sort of stuff and earn it. 

"I don't think I've earned it yet."

What about a matai title? "That is a conversation I need to have with my grandparents," he said. 

"They're the people I look up to and this stuff and if they tell me to do it then it's algood and I'll do it."

Jai will be in Savai'i for the Independence celebrations and will return to Australia next week.