18 April, 2010
LEGENDS AT NIGHT OF THE YOUNG BOXING CONTENDERS
Source: eventpolynesia.com
 

Some of the legends of Samoa and New Zealand boxing were celebrated at an Otara fight night that showcased a new generation of up-and-coming contenders.

Fighters from the Golden Era of Polynesian boxing - such as Battling La’avasa, Alex Su'a, James Meredith, Fred Schuster, Peter Schmidt, Aukuso Tanuvasa - were honoured at the Event Polynesia Boxing show.

The Otara Leisure Centre was packed last Tuesday night, with fight fans eager to see the professional boxing stars of the future, and to applaud the ring pioneers who paved the way forward.

The capacity crowd was treated to some hard hitting ring action, with a couple of quick finishes in the heavyweight division.

And it was showtime for boxing purists, with Leti Leti (welterweight), Afakasi Pele Faumui (middleweight), Warren Fuiava (lightheavyweight) and Vaitele Soi (cruiserweight) all impressing with classy ringcraft in their wins.

"These former Samoan amateur champs have all the gifts for stellar pro careers," says veteran boxing correspondent Dave Cameron.

Cameron, who photographs fighters for his regular columns in the Australian Ring magazine, says he enjoyed the way that local legends of the fight were honoured.

Not all the sportsmen were in the ring. All Black and league legend Vaiga Tuigamala, Waikato Chiefs back extraordinare Lelia Masaga and Samoa legendary weightlifter and SASNOC vice president Segi Bee Leung Wai gave star power to the show, while Labour MP Su'a William Sio enjoyed the action ringside. And a wide selection of Auckland fight game identities were also in attendance plus Samoa Amateur Boxing Association vice president Seve Sung Chan Chui.

Crowd favourite Junior Pati scored three knockdowns in his first-round KO win over Junior Iakapo, who put on a brave performance in his pro debut as a replacement for Lighting Lupe.

The heavy-handed Pati is an exciting fighter, as he has knockout power in either hand.

And - despite giving away a lot of weight - Samoan pro cruiserweight champion Vaitele Soi had a TKO catchweight win over Fijian heavyweight Ben Naqasima, after two minutes and ten seconds into the first round of their scheduled four-rounder.

Drawcard and former NZ welterweight amateur champion Leti Leti - on the threshold of a pro career in the United States - made quick work of his opponent. Impressing with his power and timing in a first-round stoppage of Paz "Pistol" Viejo, usually known for his defensive prowess.


Warren Fuiava had a points win over Tapunu'u Tagiilima, while Afakasi Pele Faumui also had a points win, over Star Chong Nee.

United States fighter Clarence "Big Daddy" Tillman (130kg) - who fought on the undercard of the recent David Tua show - had a points win over Gogosina Ulutoa (100kg).

Teleiai Edwin Puni of Event Polynesia stages regular boxing promotions in both New Zealand and Samoa.

“Staging four promotions in Samoa and two in New Zealand each year is a huge undertaking by Event Polynesia. To build boxing champions someone has to provide the much need tournaments,” says Teleiai.

The Manukau Pro Am Fights were established two years ago and promoted as the ‘Fight for Unity’, a community initiative to unite South Auckland communities, as a response to the spate of violent robberies and assaults in the area.

The Samoan and wider boxing community are supporting Event Polynesia shows as they provide a career path for young up-and-comers, with fight fans welcoming the showcase for boxers on the rise.

Tuesday's show was an alcohol-free event, that was marked by positivity and respect. Fighters' connections to Samoan villages were announced and applauded.

DVD copies of the Manukau Pro Am Fights is now available from Video A’au Production; telephone (+649) 263-8383 or visit website: www.videoaau.co.nz

The next Event Polynesia Boxing promotion is the Samoa Pro Am Fights in Apia on Tuesday 1st June to coincide with the Samoa Independence Day.

PHOTOS:

[1] Samoan boxing sensation Leti Leti in front of a packed Otara Leisure Centre.

[2] Pele Faumui with referee and NZ boxing legend Lance Revill.

[3] New Zealand heavyweight Gogosina Ulutoa.
 

02 April, 2010
CLARENCE ‘BIG DADDY’ TILLMAN VS GOGOSINA ‘STONE’ ULUTOA
Source: eventpolynesia.com
 

Giant American Clarence ‘Big Daddy’ Tillman hopes to make it three in a row domination on Tuesday 13th April at Otara Leisure Centre when he takes on local South Auckland heavyweight Gogosina Ulutoa as the main event of the Manukau Pro Am Fights.

Tillman who entered the ring at 130.2 kg against Leamy Taito on the David Tua vs. Friday Ahunanya fight card again has the superior height and weight difference over Ulutoa who weighed in at 100.2 kg in his last fight in October 2009.

According to Mr. Teleiai Edwin Puni of Event Polynesia Boxing who is promoting the event said, “Ulutoa is certainly going to take the fight to Tillman to keep his clean record of three wins and no loss at the Manukau Pro Am Fights to date.”

“When the big boys let there hands go, anything can happen.”

Both Tillman and Ulutoa have an established amateur background. Since arriving in New Zealand in March, Tillman has won two fights back to back.

Despite the size difference, Gogosina ‘Stone’ Ulutoa has a slight advantage with one more professional fight under his belt over Tillman’s nine fights and the vocal support on the fight night from his South Auckland supporters.

The upcoming Manukau Pro Am Fights has a very exciting fight card which includes Vaitele Soi fighting up in the heavyweight division against Oscar Talemaira and Warren Fuiava against Tapunuu Tagiilima in the light heavyweight division.

Both Soi and Fuiava won their respective fights in January to secure a place in the New Zealand team to take on the Aussies later this year in the inaugural Bloodisloe Cup.

Also in the line up is Leti Leti against defensive fighter Paz ‘Pistol’ Viejo. Leti was the New Zealand amateur welterweight champion until turning pro this year when he signed up with the Las Vegas TKO Boxing promotions. Making his first appearance in New Zealand is Pele Faumui, Samoa’s middleweight champion against local slugger Star Chong Nee.

The Manukau Pro Am Fights established two years ago and promoted as the ‘Fight for Unity’ is a community initiative that looked at positively uniting the communities in South Auckland, a response to the spate of violent robberies and assaults in the area.

Today, the South Auckland tournament promises to deliver the next breed of New Zealand professional boxing champions.

Tickets to the Manukau Pro Am Fights now sold at Pacific Ezy Money Transfer at Otara and Otahuhu offices, Evelina’s Polynesia Food (Manurewa) and Ulutoa & Sons (Avondale). Group discounts available by contacting Jenkins on (021) 127-4286.

PHOTOS:

[1] Gogosina ‘Stone’ Ulutoa with Tuilagi, Savea and Teleiai of Event Polynesia Boxing.

[2] American Clarence ‘Big Daddy’ Tillman.

[3] Boxing sensation Leti Leti and cruiserweight contender Vaitele Soi.
 

01 April, 2010
MANU SAMOA 7S SUCCESS INSPIRES SAMOA PRO BOXERS
Source: eventpolynesia.com
 

As the Manu Samoa 7s team is welcomed home by a whole country after winning the IRB 7s at Las Vegas, Adelaide and Hong Kong back to back, another team from Samoa is on its way out to New Zealand inspired by their accomplishment.

Samoa based professional boxers Vaitele Soi (cruiserweight), Afakasi Pele Faumui (middleweight), Warren Fuiava (light heavyweight) and Leti Leti (welterweight) are confirmed in the fight cards of the Manukau Pro Am Fights on Tuesday 13th April 2010 in Auckland.

Vaitele Soi, Samoa cruiserweight champion, said, “What a proud moment it was for Samoans everywhere for the Manu to beat the best in the world. I hope that one day us local professional boxers can do the same and make our country proud.”

Other than the patriotic sentiments shared by Samoan athletes, the development of rugby and boxing in Samoa are years apart. With secured funding from the IRB, Samoa Government and attracting bigger sponsors, rugby in Samoa will continue to rub shoulders with the top teams in the world.

Unfortunately, boxing is the poor cousin of rugby despite being the only other sport where a local Samoan became a world champion in Maselino Masoe plus a string of world title contenders in overseas based Samoans Jimmy Thunder, Lawrence Tauasa, Alex Leapai and David Tua.

Teleiai Edwin Puni, managing director of Event Polynesia who is promoting the Manukau Pro Am Fights said, “To be a boxing promoter in New Zealand and the Pacific region, you need to be a marathon runner unless you can pull off a deal like Duco with a name fighter like David Tua to be profitable.”

“Staging four promotions in Samoa and two in New Zealand each year is a huge undertaking by Event Polynesia. To build boxing champions someone has to provide the much need tournaments.”

So while the Manu Samoa 7s take a well deserve rest before the last two legs of the IRB 7s 2010 circuit, Soi, Faumui, Fuiava and Leti will have to wait after the Manukau Pro Am Fights until another overseas promoter calls with an opportunity to take part in a tournament to further their boxing careers.

According to Teleiai, “I’ll be surprise if you don’t get to see Vaitele and Warren as undercards in the next David Tua or Shane Cameron promotion. Both promotions are running out of respectable match ups.”

Tickets to the Manukau Pro Am Fights now sold at Pacific Ezy Money Transfer at Otara and Otahuhu offices, Evelina’s Polynesia Food (Manurewa) and Ulutoa & Sons (Avondale). Group discounts available by contacting Jenkins on (021) 127-4286.

PHOTOS:

[1] Afakasi Pele Faumui and Leti Leti with Oli Filimaua the new Samoa welterweight champion.

[2] Teleiai Edwin Puni of Event Polynesia Boxing with (L-R) Fuiava, Warren, Vaitele and Taua in New Zealand.

[3] Warren Fuiava and Vaitele Soi fighting in New Zealand.
 

09 July, 2009
BOXING PROMOTION POSTPONED TO PREVENT SPREAD OF SWINE FLU
Source: eventpolynesia.com
 

New Zealand boxing promoter and Samoan community leader Teleiai Edwin Puni’s decision to postpone next Tuesday’s planned boxing show to minimise the spread of swine flu is a welcome and responsible move.

The decision to postpone follows the announcement yesterday of New Zealand’s first five confirmed deaths linked to swine flu. Last month the Ministry of Health announced the current pandemic moving from the containment to the management stage.

Mr. Puni said, “Event Polynesia Boxing wants to take a responsible stance, contributing to the managing of the spread of swine flu in New Zealand and further afield.”

According to Mr. Puni, “The Otara promotion is a chance for swine flu to spread, given that the nine hundred plus attending, most are Pacific people, will come from all over Auckland, plus boxers from other parts of New Zealand and from Samoa.”

“The risk that fight fans and boxers alike could contract and spread the virus is too great, hence the postponement,” said Mr. Puni.

Mr. Puni said, “Pacific people are at high risk of contracting the H1N1 virus because of their communal nature and mobility in New Zealand and internationally. What we do not want is swine flu spreading to vulnerable Pacific Island nations.”

The second leg of the 2009 Fight for Unity Pro-Am tournament organised by Event Polynesia Boxing at the Otara Recreation Centre scheduled for 14 July will now be held 6 October.

The Otara event - an international boxing promotion - was established in 2007 to provide the much needed tournament for local talents. South Auckland has the largest Maori and Pacific communities in New Zealand.

Last year the tournament was renamed Fight for Unity Pro-Am to help tackle the recent violence in South Auckland by bringing the different ethnic communities together.

Event Polynesia organises a range of sports, entertainment and cultural events in New Zealand and the Pacific.

PHOTOS:

[1] Manukau City Councilor Alf Filipaina addressing the boxing community last year.

[2] David Tua with former South Pacific Cruiserweight Bob Gasio at last year’s ‘Fight For Unity’ promotion.

[3] Togasilimai Letoa vs Jameson Bostic, Oscar Talemaira vs Vaitele Soi fight postponed.
 

17 November, 2008
FIGHT FOR UNITY “BRINGING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER”
Source: eventpolynesia.com

Event Polynesia Boxing has announced an exciting pro line up for its upcoming FIGHT FOR UNITY “Bringing Communities Together” promotion on Tuesday 25 November 2008 at Otara Recreation Centre, Auckland. FIGHT FOR UNITY is a community initiative to promote safer communities and advancing MANUKAU CITY as the home of boxing champions.

Recent events in South Auckland highlighted the need for the Manukau communities to stand up and be counted. Manukau City has a “vibrant, young and colourful” population of approximately 335,000; New Zealand's fastest growing city, more than 165 different ethnic groups, with the largest Maori and Pacific communities in New Zealand. Yet, it is also an area beleaguered with social issues.

Hence, Event Polynesia Boxing was set up a year ago in Manukau City to champion the revitalization of boxing in New Zealand and the Pacific, providing boxers both amateur and professional a pathway forward by setting up the much needed top international competitions.

Furthermore, BOXING is a true international sport and is one family sport that appeals to everyone and can bring the whole community together.

PHOTOS:
 

[1] Main Event: South Pacific Heavyweight Title - Alipate Liava'a vs Seiaute Mailata.

[2] Main Supporting Bout: Joy Ali vs Faimasasa Tavui.

[3] Samoa light heavyweight Togasilimai Letoa to fight Rhys King.
 

05 September, 2008
DAVID TUA AND CINDY OF SAMOA IN THE RING
Source: eventpolynesia.com

The nine hundred capacity crowd at the recent Event Polynesia Boxing promotion in August enjoyed a special treat when David ‘The Terminator’ Tua and Cindy of Samoa stepped into the ring.

Tua was a quest speaker on the night with politicians Hon. Winston Peters and Hon. William Sio promoting UNITY and understanding between the different ethnic communities in South Auckland.

Tua in his speech acknowledged Shane Cameron who was attending with his manager Ken Reinsfield and trainer Lollo Heimuli; also boxing legends Ali Afakasi, ‘Lighting’ La’avasa, Young Sekona and Lance Revill. A rare opportunity to see The Tuaman and Shane Cameron the ‘Mountain Warrior’ seated in the same ringside.

Another rarity was having Cindy of Samoa perform live in a boxing ring. A regular cabaret act at Sky City Casino in Auckland, recently found fame on TV as a finalist in the Stars in their Eyes TV show, Cindy had the crowd clapping and on their feet.

The FIGHT FOR UNITY promotion was also attended by Manukau City Councilors, Alf Filipaina and Kefu Koka, as well as Mr. Phil Kingsley Jones, Jonah Lomu’s former manager.

Mr. Jenkins Tesese of Event Polynesia Boxing said, “It’s pleasing to see the ethnic mix in the crowd with more European and Indians attending, also the support from politicians, celebrities and the boxing fraternity.”

“Manukau City is the ideal home of boxing in New Zealand, the fastest growing city, with the largest Maori and Pacific communities in New Zealand.”

“There are many Jimmy Thunders, Maselino Masoes, David Tuas, Ray Sefos and Mark Hunts out there who are turning to crime because there is no pathway to develop their skills in full contact sports like boxing and kick boxing,” according to Mr. Tesese.

Joy Ali although very disappointed with his loss to Faimasasa Tavui of Samoa, is looking forward to the Event Polynesia Boxing promotion in November to redeem himself and to show his fans and boxing supporters that he is still the real deal.

Mrs. Rosa Tomasi-Puni, promoter has confirmed Ali to fight in November in the light middleweight division instead of the middleweight, his opponent to be announced shortly.

Also confirmed in the November line up is USA heavyweight Chauncy Welliver.

Event Polynesia Boxing is promising another night of great boxing and star entertainment.

PHOTOS:
 

[1] David ‘The Terminator’ Tua with Hon. William Sio and Mr. Aupito Sio.

[2] Cindy of Samoa entertaining the 900 capacity crowd.

[3] Middleweight contest between Joy Ali and Faimasasa Tavui.
 

22 August, 2008
IONATANA AND RAY BEST FIGHT OF THE NIGHT
Source: eventpolynesia.com

The main supporting bout of the FIGHT FOR UNITY promotion in August between the veteran Ionatana Pula and the up and coming Ray Musson was undoubtedly the fight of the night. A win to Ionatana by split decision.

Ionatana Pula who lost to Joy Ali three years ago by KO and to Pantera recently by split decision was sharp on the night. Ray was a crowd favourite who went into the six rounds light middleweight contest with a record of 3 fights with 3 wins going pound for pound against a much more experienced Ionatana.

Joy Ali’s loss by split decision to Samoan Middleweight champion, Faimasasa Tavui, was the upset of the night. Despite the huge turn out by the Indian community, Joy wasn’t able to dominate the fight with Faimasasa doing the offensive in the first six rounds.

In the heavyweight bouts, Amosa Zinc of Samoa won by split decision over Oscar Talemaira of Fiji in a six rounds contest, their second encounter. Their first fight was in Fiji which Oscar won.

USA heavyweight Chauncy Welliver was another crowd favourite showing his brilliance against Mike Lloyd of New Zealand, and winning by unanimous decision.

The cruiserweight bout of four rounds contest between Oscar Siale of Tonga against Tapunuu Tagiilima Samoa was a hard fought fight, Oscar winning by unanimous decision. Oscar’s last three fights were all wins by KOs.

The super middleweight bout of four rounds between Fale Siaoloa of Samoa against Paz Viejo of Australia was their second encounter, again won by Paz.

The August promotion by Event Polynesia Boxing was promoted as the FIGHT FOR UNITY to raise community awareness of the recent events in South Auckland, and promoting better understanding between the different ethnic communities in Manukau.

Guest speakers on the night included Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Winston Peters.

PHOTOS:
 

[1] Hon. Winston Peters and Hon. William Sio at ringside.

[2] Light Middleweight contest; Ionatana Pula versus Ray Musson.

[3] Super Middleweight contest; Fale Siaoloa versus Paz Viejo.
 

18 August, 2008

BOXING PROMOTING UNITY IN SOUTH AUCKLAND
Source: eventpolynesia.com

Event Polynesia Boxing has joined the call to promote UNITY and understanding between the different ethnic communities in South Auckland.

The upcoming promotion on Tuesday, 19th August at the Otara Leisure Centre, Otara, is now being promoted as the FIGHT FOR UNITY.

Mrs. Rosa Tomasi-Puni, promoter said, “Recent events in South Auckland have once again highlighted the need for our communities to stand up and be counted. This is our way of raising awareness”

Mr. Papaliitele Peter ‘Fats’ Fatialofa, rugby legend and respected community figure agree and have expressed a desire to shift attitudes and enhance the goodwill amongst the different ethnic communities in South Auckland. According to Fats he wants to “make things right”.

Coming out of retirement to support the FIGHT FOR UNITY promotion is retired promoter, Mrs. Kusla Sain. Mrs. Sain and her late husband used to run the very successful Sain’s Ringside Gym at Otahuhu in the 80’s and 90’s.

According to Kusla, “For Indian, Asian, European and Pacific communities in Manukau to UNITE they need to mix and be involved with each another. Boxing is a true international sport and is one sport that can bring the whole community together.”

The main event of ten rounds middleweight contest between Joy Ali, Indo-Fijian middleweight champion against Faimasasa Tavui, Samoan champion is the first time the two boxers will meet.

The main supporting bout of six rounds light middleweight contest between the veteran Ionatana Pula and the up and coming Ray Musson is a sure crowd favorite.

The Undercards will include a heavyweight contest of six rounds between Amosa Zinc (Samoa) and Oscar Talemaira (Fiji), a heavyweight contest of four rounds between Chauncy Welliver (USA) against Mike Lloyd (New Zealand), a cruiserweight bout of four rounds contest between Oscar Siale (Tonga) Tapunuu Tagiilima (Samoa), plus a super middleweight bout of four rounds between Fale Siaoloa (Samoa) against Paz Viejo (Australia).

Mrs. Tomasi-Puni said, “This is a family event and we go the extra mile to ensure people feel safe with good crowd control.”

Event Polynesia Boxing promotes smoke free, alcohol and drug free events. Last year included the inaugural fa’afafine boxing, a first in New Zealand.

PHOTOS:
 

[1] Mrs. Kusla Sain and Rosa Tomasi-Puni.

[2] Mr. Ale Vena Ale (SPBI) and Mr. Pat Leonard (NZPBA).

[3] Mr. Joy Ali with Radio Tarana team.