Parker’s promise to Samoa

By Vatapuia Maiava 04 August 2016, 12:00AM

Lupesoliai La’auliolemalietoa Joseph Parker has made a promise to Samoa. 

“My promise is that one day I will bring the championship belt back to Samoa and New Zealand,” he said. “I will go out there and make you all proud. Thank you for your support.”

Lupesoliai made the promise at the Tuana’imato Sports Complex on Saturday when he was interviewed by the Editor of the Samoa Observer, Mata’afa Keni Lesa, who was the host of Vailima Corporate Fight Night. Lupesoliai was the special guest. He was accompanied by his parents, Dempsey and Sala, and his brother. 

Speaking about his next opponent on his road to the title, Lupesoliai said everything is designed to prepare him to be ready when the opportunity arises. Lupesoliai will fight a 2.01 metre giant Russian, Alexander Dimitrenko, in Manukau, New Zealand on October. 

“I will be fighting a giant,” he said. “He is six foot seven but I know if I prepare well then I can beat anyone in the world.

But as he took a few days to kick back in Samoa, the world class boxer was just happy to be able to take a short breather.

“Firstly it’s great to be here in Samoa,” he said. “It is great to see everyone here tonight and great to see my family here, my parents, my friends, my uncle.

“I am here for a week; will be flying back to New Zealand on Wednesday (tonight), and then I will be spending a few days with my parents in New Zealand and then I fly back to Las Vegas on Sunday to prepare for the next fight.”

Parker also used the opportunity to inspire the young generation of boxers in Samoa.

 “My message is pretty simple; I see a lot of young talent out here in Samoa,” he said. “Like everyone said before, Samoans used to take all the gold medals back in the days but at the moment we are a little bit slack.

 “It’s great to see all the support from all the referees and all of the people involved.

“You know Samoa is going to be at the top again soon, we just have to give them (young boxers) the support that they need; we have a lot of talent so let’s back them.

“Let’s back them, let’s give them the support, let’s encourage them, push them, give them the facilities and give them equipment that they need.”

But wait… The good news doesn’t just stop at the boxing fans; the ladies also got to hear what they have always wondered.

Asked by Mata’afa if he was single, Parker responded: “Is there a girlfriend out there for me?” Then he asked his mom Sala: “Mom am I single?” With her giving the two thumbs up, he smiled and said: “Ok I am single… thanks mom.”

By Vatapuia Maiava 04 August 2016, 12:00AM
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