Samoan boxer Kealey Perez claimed the gold medal in the women’s 80kg+ division at the 2026 World Boxing U19 Futures Cup on Sunday, marking Samoa’s first-ever gold at a world cup boxing event.

Perez secured the top prize after defeating Tuvalu’s Francis Taafaki in an all-Oceania final, leading a strong showing by Team Samoa on the international stage.

Samoa also claimed a bronze medal, with Anthony Pati taking third place in the men’s 90kg division. Johnsal Semi narrowly missed advancing after a close split decision, while Douglas Pati displayed resilience against a taller opponent. Another Samoan boxer, Daniel Alofipo, saw his campaign end prematurely after receiving an illegal elbow to the temple during a high-pressure bout against a Tajikistani opponent.

The tournament serves as a key qualification pathway for the Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal, later this year.

The Samoan team’s campaign was overseen by Independent Boxing Samoa Inc. (IBS) and supported by an experienced coaching and training staff, including Vitale Perez, Faumuina David Tua, Junior Pati, Faasavalu Pelasio Semi, and Leuatea James Schmidt.

IBS President Tavu’i Mike Lemisio praised the athletes’ performances and highlighted the growth of Samoan boxing.
"The future is very bright for Samoan boxing," Lemisio said. "We are incredibly proud of Kealey, our only Tausala at this World Cup, for her performance and bringing home the gold. Her historic win also bodes well for our ‘Nafanua – Women in Boxing’ initiative that was launched earlier this year.

"We took five boxers to this World Cup and came back with two medals. We thank the Government of Samoa and SASNOC for their support, and these results indicate our commitment to developing young Samoan boxing talent."

With the Youth World Cup campaign concluded, IBS is now preparing for a busy 2026 schedule, including the Elite World Boxing Cup, Commonwealth Games, Oceania Championships, Youth Olympic Games, and national grassroots programs.

Youth U19 Team Samoa from left to right: Johnsal Semi, Douglas Pati, Kealey Perez, Anthony Pati, Daniel Alofipo.