Samoa’s Commonwealth Games silver medallist, Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali, has been honoured by his family and villages of Siumu and Tuana’i . 

Not only one of Samoa’s top boxers, he is now a matai of his two home villages, having being bestowed the title Tupuola from Saaga Siumu and Seua'i from Tuana’i. 

The title Tupuola is from his late grandfather’s village Sa’aga Siumu, where the Village Council decided over the weekend to honour his contributions to boxing in Samoa on Monday.

Tupuola Seua’i, who is based in Australia, has been in Samoa for the Marist Boxing finals last weekend, and to celebrate the holidays.

Monday had already been set for a title bestowal from his grandmother’s village Tuana’i, where he attended a ceremony to accept the title Seua’i.

A silver medallist of the Commonwealth Games 2018 and a promising boxer for next year’s Pacific Games, Tupuola Seua’i said he ultimately wants to reach the Olympics.

According to his proud father Steven Plodzicki-Faoagali,  Tupuola Seua’i said it was an honour to receive a title from his grandmother's family, and complete surprise and a privilege to be offered the Tupuola title from his grandfather's village also. 

“As a 19 year old it is with humility he accepts the challenge of serving and representing both his families and Samoa where ever he competes around the world,” Mr. Plodzicki-Faoagali said.

“As for myself, it is a very proud moment as I have always wanted to make my mother proud and to be of service to her and family in old age.” 

“My father Leau Tupuola Faoagali may have passed onto eternity 20 years ago but I'm certain this is what he would've wanted for one of his children to do, and that is to bring honour to our family, village and district of Sa'aga Siumu.”

The Tanoa Tusitala Hotel sponsored Tupuola Seua’i’s visit to Samoa to open the Sa’aga Siumu boxing club, and for the final fights of the year.