"Sport: Samoa Pro-Am Fights @ Eventpolynesia.com"




	07 November, 2011 NEW ZEALAND, SAMOA, FIJI AND TAHITI SET FOR BOXING SHOWDOWN Source: eventpolynesia.com Boxing goes to the final round in November with promotions in Tahiti, Fiji and Samoa ahead of the Pacific International Boxing Championship (PIBC) to start in 2012. The proposed boxing series is equivalent to the Pacific Rugby Cup rivalry in the region and is deemed as the perfect tournament to further develop the infrastructure of boxing in the Pacific. Samoa cruiserweight champion Vaitele Soi returns to Auckland next week to fight on the Glozier Promotion; a win will guarantee Soi a World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific title shot against former WBO cruiserweight title holder Muyoyo Mensah. A late challenge by Samoa’s light heavyweight champion Warren Fuiava against WBO Asia Pacific title holder Soulan Pounceby of New Zealand on the 18th November promotion has been put on hold due to an injured Pounceby. Promoter Glozier hopes to include the Pounceby vs Fuiava in his March 2012 promotion. Vili’s Gym Boxing Promotion in October in Auckland saw Samoan prospects Vaitele Soi, Warren Fuiava and Faimasasa Tavui winning all their fights by first round knockout. Tahiti boxing following the success of its amateur team at the recent Pacific Games in New Caledonia has set its next goal to conquer professional boxing in the Pacific. Tahiti topped the boxing charts with five gold medals, New Caledonia with two gold followed by Samoa, Papua Niu Guinea and Nauru with a gold medal each. The Papeete figh night on Friday 25th November will see Tahitian welterweight Jean Louis Arihau and light welterweight Tinitua Neagle against Tony Iapesa and Michael Fonoti of Samoa. The main event will be headlined by Samoan light heavyweight Faimasasa Tavui in a twelve round contest for the vacant UBO International title. Mr. Reginald Leca, UBO Oceania Commissioner and Tahiti matchmaker says, “Fighting the Samoan boxers will be a good test for our boxers turning professional. Samoa has established a professional boxing development for their boxers after amateur; it is what we now need for Tahiti and Caledonia.” Fijian light welterweight champ Farzan Ali Junior will be going toe-to-toe with Samoan welterweight champion Oli Filimaua. Filimaua is going down a division to fight in Nadi on Saturday 25th November. Ali knocked out Samoan Tony Iapesa in the sixth round of a ten round contest at the Vodafone Arena in Suva in 2009 and continues to be undefeated in his last seven outings. According to Filimaua’s trainer Leapai Richard Brown, “Filimaua has never lost a fight and we do not intend to lose in Fiji.” The following Thursday 1st December will feature a Fiji vs Samoa international contest on the Samoa Pro Am Fights card in Apia. Iosia Nanai takes on Junior Naivogo in the super middle weight division, Warren Fuiava aganist Pita Tabuarua in the light heavyweight division and the much awaited rematch between Pele Faumui and Abhay Chand in the middleweight division. Fiji matchmaker Mr. Ram Paras says, “Chand’s only loss since 2009 was to Faumui of Samoa. This will be a great fight. The opportunity to fight in Samoa will set the bench mark for our boxers going into the Pacific International Boxing Championship next year.” Samoa boxing promoter Tuilagi Saipele Esera who will be hosting the PIBC meeting in Apia has confirmed the attendance of the promoters from New Zealand, Fiji and Tahiti. The meeting will include the signing of a MOU between the founding members New Zealand, Samoa, Fiji and Tahiti. “First leg of the proposed boxing series will be in New Zealand in March 2012. The other two legs will be in Tahiti and Fiji with the final leg in Samoa in December each year,” according to Tuilagi. PHOTOS: [1] Fiji vs Samoa match up in Apia. [2] Pa’u Fereti Puni with New Caledonia boxer Charles Baou and Mr. Reginald Leca.



	22 March, 2010 SAMOA TITLE, OLI FILIMAUA'S TICKET TO NEW ZEALAND Source: eventpolynesia.com Oli Filimaua the mandatory challenger for the Samoa welterweight title has an offer to fight in New Zealand in September, but first he needs to win next Tuesday’s main event of the Samoa Pro Am Fights against the title holder Ionatana Pula. According to Teleiai Edwin Puni of Event Polynesia, Samoa Pro Am Fights promoter, “There are only three senior welterweight boxers locally. For Filimaua to make a career out of boxing, he needs to fight overseas.” “At the moment Pula is standing in the way of Filimaua clocking in his first professional fight in New Zealand and Filimaua knows that,” said Teleiai. Tuesday’s ten rounds by three minutes contest between the veteran champ Pula of Tanugamanono and Filimaua, the new kid on the block from Fagalii and Fa’ala, promises to be a toe to toe explosion of different fight styles. Pula comes into the fight as the more experienced with nineteen pro fights and the heavy puncher of the two. Filimaua has the advantage of being twelve years younger with a pro record of five fights, winning four with one draw. According to Filimaua, “After winning my last fight in December, I approached Event Polynesia to discuss my ranking and challenge for the Samoa Welterweight title.” Teleiai said, “Pula’s return from New Zealand last year made it possible to lock gate this exciting match up. Pula had not defended his title for a while due to the lack of a credible challenger. Filimaua has the merits and has put his hand up.” Ale Vena Ale, Secretary General of the South Pacific Boxing Incorporated has confirmed that Event Polynesia’s request for the Samoa Welterweight Title to be contested had been granted. The fight will also be sanctioned and officiated by SPBI. While the heavyweight division had always been the main event attraction of most boxing promotions, Manny Pacquiao ‘Pac Man’ of the Philippines have changed all that by making the light divisions the money fights. Pacquiao is the current World Boxing Organisation welter weight champion. Has a pro record of fifty six (56) fights, fifty one (51) wins thirty eight (38) by way of KO with two (2) draw and three (3) losses. His last four fights, against Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Angel Cotto and Joshua Clottey, have earned him the bragging rights to the title ‘The Greatest.’ There you have it Pula and Filimaua, lighter boxers can change the landscape of world boxing. Tickets to the Samoa Pro Am Fights now sold at JP Fitness (Vaimea), Hennies Sports Bar (Fugalei), Maroon Boy’s Corner (Apia). Group discounts available by contacting Event Polynesia office (+685) 28802. PHOTOS: [1] Oli Filimaua and Miss Samoa NZ assisting Tsunami Samoa 2009 (TSO9) Appeal last year. [2] Ionatana Pula fighting Ray Musson in New Zealand. [3] Mr. Doug Dennett, Pacific Trade Manager of Agility Logistics, supporting attending the SPAF in December 2009.



	19 March, 2010 AMERICAN SAMOA TO TAKE ON SAMOA IN MUAY THAI KICK BOXING Source: eventpolynesia.com The inclusion of Muay Thai kick boxing in the upcoming Samoa Pro Am Fights next Tuesday 23 March at Faleata Gym # 1 has now added a whole new dimension to the popularity of the local tournament. Muay Thai Samoa fighter Jesse Nilon will take on twenty six year old Sancho Niedo III from American Samoa, while local girl Sophia Rogers will square off with Julliam Muasau of American Samoa. MTS President, Tipaula Laupue said,” This is a first for the sport in Samoa. Especially with our local fighters going up against a team from America Samoa in what promises to be a close encounter.” “We are grateful as an association in being given an opportunity to show case some of our young local talent to the sporting public of Samoa, and extend a huge fa’amalo to Event Polynesia for bringing the different codes of full contact sports under one roof,” said Laupue. According to Teleiai Edwin Puni of Event Polynesia, “Our invitation to include Muay Thai kick boxing in the Samoa Pro Am Fights is a better way forward for both boxing and kick boxing in Samoa.” “Promoting Muay Thai will provide local boxing talent with another opportunity in full contact sports; a similar approach with rugby players also playing rugby league and vice versa.” According to Teleiai, “There is a huge demand to bring back the fa’afafine bouts and corporate bouts that we had in the beginning. However, at the moment we are focusing on the serious side of boxing with the development of elite fighters through tournaments like the Samoa Pro Am Fights.” “The records show that Samoa will always do well in international amateur tournaments in boxing, weightlifting and wrestling. Now combine it with Muay Thai kick boxing and Samoa is on track to deliver to the UFC the ultimate fighting mix martial art athlete.” “I think its time for Event Polynesia to pay Seiuli Paul Wallwork and Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork a visit,” added Teleiai. Since its first promotion in Apia when it staged the Monty Betham Jr’s debut bout three years ago, Event Polynesia has consistently provided the much needed boxing tournaments in Apia and Auckland, New Zealand for Samoan and Pacific boxers. TICKET OUTLETS: JP Fitness (Vaimea), Hennies Sports Bar (Fugalei), Maroon Boy’s Corner (Apia). Group discounts available by contacting Event Polynesia (+685) 28802 PHOTOS: [1] (L-R) Muay Thai Samoa fighter Jesse Nilon will take on twenty six year old Sancho Niedo III from American Samoa. [2] (L-R) Muay Thai Samoa fighter Sophia Rogers will square off with Julliam Muasau of American Samoa. [3] (L-R) Monique Solofa and her American Samoa team with SPAF promoter in Apia.



	17 March, 2010 LETI LETI TO STEP INTO THE RING AT FALEATA GYM 1 FOR THE LAST TIME Source: eventpolynesia.com Samoa boxing sensation Leti Leti will be saying his good byes when he steps into the boxing ring at Faleata Gym 1 next Tuesday 23 March for the last time. Leti is not fighting in the upcoming Samoa Pro Am Fights but will still get the opportunity to step into the ring as special guest to pay tribute to Samoa boxing where it all started for him before he makes his move to the United States. Last month, Leti’s Las Vegas based co-manager Cameron Dunkin announced Leti’s signing with TKO Boxing promotions coinciding with a media conference in Samoa. “Leti is the goods and the hottest prospect to come out of the Samoa - New Zealand region since David Tua,” said Dunkin. Leti, 22, has an impressive amateur history starting as Samoa Bantam Weight champ from 2003 to 2004 then Samoa Featherweight champ in 2006. 2007 Leti became Samoa Light Welterweight champ and won Samoa a Gold medal in the 2007 Oceania Tournament. Leti moved to New Zealand later in 2007 and became the New Zealand Welterweight champ the following year as well as 2009 before he made his professional debut in Auckland, New Zealand, knocking out Aaron Bartlett in the first round of their January 31 bout. Samoan boxing promoter and Leti’s Samoa based co-manager, Teleiai Edwin Puni, says this is a great achievement for Samoa where professional boxing is struggling to get commercial backing to fund the much needed professional tournaments. According to Teleiai, “Leti is going to be a bright light on the international stage and another great sport ambassador for Samoa.” Two other local boxers now fighting in New Zealand, Warren Fuiava (light heavyweight) and Vaitele Soi (cruiserweight) have set personal goals to join Leti in Las Vegas in the future. Both have claimed the right to represent New Zealand in the upcoming Bloodisloe Cup by winning their fights in Auckland in the New Zealand selection trials. Teleiai also confirmed Samoa middleweight champion Afakasi Pele Faumui will be making his first fight appearance in New Zealand on Tuesday 13th April. “Warren and Vaitele’s success in New Zealand with Afakasi joining them next month is a testimony of the results delivered by the Samoa Pro Am Fights,” said Teleiai. PHOTOS: [1] Leti Leti preparing for his debut fight in Auckland. [2] Vaitele Soi warming up for the NZ Bloodisloe Selection Trials. [3] Warren Fuiava with his corner after winning in Auckland.



	02 June, 2009 EVENT POLYNESIA BOXING PRESENTS 3RD LEG OF THE SAMOA PRO-AM FIGHTS 2009 Source: eventpolynesia.com SAMOA PRO-AM FIGHTS Faleata Gym 1 - Tuesday 2 June, 2009 Event Polynesia Boxing is proud to present the 3rd Leg of the Samoa Pro-Am Fights of 2009. On behalf of EP Boxing and its Associate Partners, we welcome you to Faleata Gym 1 on Tuesday evening 2 June to the excitement of the Samoa Pro-Am Fights and to witness ‘Samoa’s Best Under One Roof”. Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls - Fight Fans …. Welcome to the Samoa Pro-Am Fights! More significantly, the Fights will be an annual Independence Pro-Am Fight Event for festivities and celebration of our country’s self-governance. Accordingly, to quote Prime Minister Honorable Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi's direction to Event Polynesia Boxing on the introduction of the Samoa Pro Am Fights early this year, he stated that “Samoa needs to establish the Samoa Pro Am Fights to foster the Pathway for Samoan Boxing so that our elite boxers who have represented Samoa with distinction over the years in the amateur ranks can move on to professional honors and careers. I have all the confidence that boxing is one sport that will continue to provide our country with World Champions”. Maselino Masoe is the first Samoan to become a world champion and that was from the sport of boxing. The resurgence and revival of Samoa Pro-Am Fights and its pathway is also credited to the support of Government, TAB and our Business Partners that have given their support selflessly. “We credit the close working relationship and collaboration of all stakeholders and parties in the boxing fraternity for the current resurgence of boxing in Samoa. These bodies include Government and TAB, the Samoa Amateur Boxing Association - SABA, Tumua ma Pule, Upolu-Savaii and SPBI” according to Ale Vena Ale - Secretary General for South Pacific Boxing Incorporated - SBPI. Ale also credited Event Polynesia for the creation of the Samoa Pro-Am Fights and the collaboration process to bring all parties to work together. It has been over two years now since Event Polynesia Boxing and Partners have presented the boxing pathway to the Prime Minister and government. The boxing pathway for Samoan boxers also include a circuit of promotions in New Zealand started in late 2007, which is the next step up for our boxers in the international arena. Through the Samoa Pro-Am Fights, Samoa has also hosted major boxing events for the first time which included the first ever world boxing event in Samoa in a WBO Cruiserweight title held in February 2008. The other significant step forward due the SPAF is the utilization of our sports facilities resulting in the current collaboration and partnership with the Samoa Sports Facilities Authority. Hon Minister of the SSFA - Faumuina Tiatia Liuga and the SSFA Board and Management has to be commended for their receptiveness and leadership. Samoa now hosts 5 Pro Am Fight Events a year at a world class sports venue. The Program for the Independence Samoa Pro Am Fights is as follows: • 10.00am Thurs 28 May Press Conference at STA Fale Eleele Fou • 7.00am Mon 1 June Boxing Clubs Assemble for Independence March Past By the Samoa College and Scopa March at Mulinuu • 10.00am Mon 1 June SPAF Boxers Weigh-in at STA Fale Eleele Fou • 6.00pm Tues 2 June Samoa Pro Am Fights Faleata Gym 1, Tuanaimato The March Past organized for Independence celebrations is to pay homage to Samoa’s boxing legends and the current class of boxers including the administrators and coaches who work tirelessly to develop boxing in Samoa” stated Teleiai Edwin Puni - Managing Director of Event Polynesia Boxing. The country will witness the glitter of the multiple medals and gold trophies and medals that boxing has honored Samoa with over the years. So welcome those heroes who paved the way for Samoa and bring your gold to Mulinuu and flash them proudly. We take this opportunity to offer our sincere Faafetai Tele to our Associate Partners including: Afioga Tupua Fred Wetzell and Apia Concrete Products, Motor 1 from New Zealand, Faleula o Samoa, Martin Hautus, Hennies Motel, Funway Rentals, Pacific Freight Samoa Limited, Samoa Commercial Bank, Bluebird Lumber and our Media Partners TV3, Samoa Observer and Radio 2AP. The future of the Samoa Pro-Am Fights and its Pathway lies with the financial support from Government and the Business Sector to help sustain the financial costs and continue the momentum of the Samoa Pro-Am Fights. We look forward to the public’s support to come to Faleata and witness the resurgence and be part of the winners circle. Come see firsthand the updated development of future Samoan world champion boxers right here at home. Organizers will use the SPAF on June 2 to select boxers for the next EP Boxing Event to be held on Tues July 14 in Auckland New Zealand. There will be 6 Top-Flite Amateurs and 5 Pro Undercard Showdowns! The Main Event will feature Samoa’s own -Miki Otto Ropati - ‘da Hands of Stone’ vs. the African Warrior - Joseph Kwanjo in a 10 x 3 Super Middleweight Spectacular! LET’S GET READY TO RUUUUMMMMBBBBLLEE! EP BOXING CALENDAR 2009 - APIA, Faleata Gym 1 Saturday 31st January Thursday 30th April Tuesday 2 June - Independence Tuesday 1 September - Teuila Festival Tuesday 8 December & Honorary Awards PHOTOS: [1] Professional Undercard boxers with Miki Otto. [2] Samoa Pro Am Fights match up. [3] Main Event boxers Miki 'Hands of Stone' Otto and Joseph 'African Warrior' Kwadwo.



	28 January, 2009 COUNTDOWN TO SAMOA PRO-AM FIGHTS Source: eventpolynesia.com Samoan Fight Fans excitedly await the fireworks and beginning of the Samoa Pro-Am Fights 200IX calendar set to start this Saturday at Marist, Mulivai Hall with the first of four (4) legs of exciting Pro-Am Fights to be held in Apia, Samoa this year. The other 3 legs include the 2nd leg during the Independence, 3rd leg in September rounded up by the 4th leg in December. The highlight event for Samoa is the Samoa International Pro-Am Fight (SIPAF); launched in 2008. The event for 2009 is been finalized for Saturday 21 March with a World Boxing Organisation regional Title Fight featuring Alex ‘The Lion Heart’ Leapai, Samoan heavyweight fighting out of Australia. The SIPAF was endorsed by Government in 2008 as the pathway for Pro-Am Boxing in Samoa with the inaugural event held in February last year featuring Samoa’s Lawrence Tauasa winning the World Boxing Organizations Cruiserweight Oriental Title. The Samoa Pro-Am Fights (SPAF) is a Sporting Entertainment Event and is the first step of the boxing pathway spearheaded by Event Polynesia Boxing in Association with SPBI and SABA to provide the next step up for champion amateurs moving up to the professional ranks. The main event for the SPAF will always feature a regional title fight plus exciting professional under-cards. Main Event is the ‘Duel in Samoa’ for the vacant South Pacific Cruiserweight title between South Pacific Heavyweight Champion ‘Hurricane’ Seiaute Mailata of Samoa battling it out with the South Pacific number one contender “da Body’ Hemalota Kaile’a of the Kingdom of Tonga for the title. Kaile’a arrives today from Tonga. Main Under-card - Fight fans will be treated to a world-class showcase between Ghana welterweight champion ‘The African Warrior’ Joseph Kwadjo testing the mettle of Samoan amateur champ and 2007 Oceania Silver medallist Afakasi Pele Faumui - ‘Da Samoan Cobra’. This encounter will be a show-stopper. Kwadjo arrived in Samoa a week ago. Undefeated Samoan Light Heavyweight sensation ‘Battling’ Togasilimai Letoa of Lalomauga takes on ‘Hands of Stone’ Miki Otto Ropati of Faleula for the vacant Samoa Light Heavyweight Belt. To complete line-up for this Tier, top amateurs will be featured in a Savaii-Upolu challenge to provide our top amateurs not only with a higher-level tournament, but also for them to experience a professional fight environment rubbing shoulders with the professionals. It is also a positive spectacle to teach and entice our young men and women to take up a highly technical and safe sport that could land them lucrative professional employment in the future. Tickets and for more information, contact Event Polynesia Office (+685) 28801,Tuilagi MS Esera (+685) 751-9458 or Ale Vena Ale (+685) 777-3614. PHOTOS: [1] International Middleweight Contest: Ghana welterweight champion ‘The African Warrior’ Joseph Kwadjo vs. Samoan amateur champ and 2007 Oceania Silver medallist ‘Da Samoa Cobra’ Afakasi Pele Faumui. [2] Samoa Light Heavyweight Title: Undefeated Samoan Light Heavyweight sensation ‘Battling’ Togasilimai Letoa vs. ‘Hands of Stone’ Miki Otto Ropati. [3] Main Event - South Pacific Heavyweight Title - Hemalota Kailea (Tonga) verses Seiaute Mailata (Samoa).

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