P.M. backs Parker in Christchurch

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia 22 July 2016, 12:00AM

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, was ringside at Christchurch last night when Lupesoliai Joseph Parker took on Solomon Haumono on his road to the world heavyweight title. 

Speaking during his weekly media programme, Tuilaepa said he attended the right to honour an invitation to be there.

“That was the request from the sponsors (of the fight) they wanted me to be there on behalf of the government,” said Tuilaepa. “It will build courage (for Parker) especially this fight.

It’s very important that if he wins, he will have the chance to challenge for the world title. If he doesn’t get it his opponent will get that opportunity.”

Tuilaepa said it is in the best interest of Samoa for Lupesoliai to win.

 “I also don’t want the win to move away from Samoa,” he said. 

“Another reason why I like his fights is because the national anthem of Samoa and New Zealand are sung on the stage. This boy has pride in his country and I should be there to express the support of our village of Aufaga.”

Parker holds the Lupesoliai title from Aufaga.

 Meanwhile, Tuilaepa has also assured that he is in the best of health.

On his return from New Zealand last week from his routine checkup, the Prime Minister said it was his leg. 

“It wasn’t because I was overweight,” he explained. 

“It was my leg from when I used to play rugby in those days that was injured but its fine now.”

He pointed out that many government officials have passed away because they had not taken care of their health. 

“During the funeral of Birdie, the C.E.O. of Commerce I had mentioned three other C.E.Os had passed away within 12 months,” he said. 

“I had advised that people should look after their health. You only have one life and you should do checkups every six months. That is how it’s done and what you are seeing here is just muscles, it’s not fat.”

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia 22 July 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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