Corporate bash excitement

By Vatapuia Maiava 29 July 2016, 12:00AM

The boxers – and wannabe boxers – are ready to rumble.

Tomorrow night, Pound for Pound’s Vailima Corporate Bash fight night will see lawyers, policemen, firefighters, construction workers, fa'afafine and more in the boxing ring.

Although the night is all about having fun and enjoying boxing, it will also aim to promote the sport in Samoa.

Businesses will have a first real look at what it’s like to be in the ring and with special guest Lupesoliai Joseph Parker’s presence, all contenders will be out to impress.

The man behind the show is Vaaiga Leuluga Tuigamala and he is excited.

“This is my fifth corporate boxing show,” he told Samoa Observer. “This where businesses come against businesses;  I have also got some undercards versus amateur fights that are in Apia like Plantation Boxing; there is also Savaii and Upolu boxing clubs.

“So there’s actually a variety amateur boxing clubs who will be taking part in this boxing night.”

Although it hasn’t been confirmed, Vaaiga said that there is a possibility of Lupesoliai will be doing something on the night; but even if her doesn’t then his presence is enough.

“Joseph Parker will be our special guest for the night,” he said.

“He will possibly be doing something for our guests but we haven’t confirmed that; but we’re just glad to have him join us for the evening.

“It’s just wonderful to have him grace us on the evening but there’s no expectation for him to do anything on that night.

“This is just him showing his support for our event as we also prepare to have an auction on the night to help assist our Samoan Olympic athletes who are preparing themselves for the Rio Olympics.”

The four corporate nights before has been a success with auctions and according to Vaaiga, Saturday night’s auction is expected to be just as good.

“We have been successful in the past with the auction,” he said.

“We raised quite a bit of money for the Samoa Cancer Society and so whatever we make that night I am sure that the Samoa Olympic Athletes will be appreciative of what’s been raised for them.

“Like I said, the night is an opportunity for the businesses having their representative’s jump in and experience what it’s like to be in the ring,

“You never know, we might have Joseph as one of the judges for a fight; it’s just a fun night and a lot of these guys have been training hard and preparing themselves for this evening.”

But at the end of the night, the main focus is promoting the sport of boxing; according to Aaiga, ever since Lupesoliai fought earlier this year it has brought a lot of attention to the sport.

Aaiga said that this Saturday’s event will help continue what Lupesoliai has done and get a few more people interested in the sport.

“Well there are ten fights all up,” he said.

“The fights will range from lawyers to construction workers to firemen to police men to people from Digicel and many more.

“We have a variety of people who have put their hand up to jump in the ring; we even have some great entertainment, we have spot prizes to give away so it’s going to be a fun night.

“The night has been well supported by the corporate bodies who bought the tables to come to the event.”

Aaiga is just grateful for everyone who has helped make the fight night possible.

“We are just grateful that Joseph is here to participate in our event on Saturday,” he said.

“I am also grateful for our sponsors like Vailima who continue to support our pound for pound fight promotions; I am also grateful for other sponsors who will be taking part.

“It is going to be a fantastic night; companies vs. companies, friends vs. friends; and hopefully raise a lot of money for our athletes.”

By Vatapuia Maiava 29 July 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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