New era begins for boxing

By Adel Fruean 24 October 2018, 12:00AM

Papali’i Tagaloatele Pasi Poloa is the new President of the Samoa Boxing Federation (S.B.F.). 

Papali’i takes on the role for the next three years after the appointment was done during the Annual General Meeting at Vaitele on Monday. 

Three vice-presidents were also elected: Fesolai Vaaiga Tuigamala, Leituala Tapusoa Fifita Tapusoa, and Tofilau Faafouina Milford.

Faletolu Sua was appointed Treasurer and Laulu Tu’ugatiti Leauanae as the Chief Executive Officer.

The appointment was done based on the votes of six clubs - Marist Boxing Club, Plantation, Upolu and Savaii, Tumua and Pule Fealofani, Palauili Faasaleleaga, and Itu o Tane.

Papali’i said he was surprised with the results of the appointment.

“As you are all aware, there was a disagreement a few months ago and it resulted with a Court case, but we have put that aside and reconciled,” he said. 

“It is truly a magnificent sight to see that everyone are coming together all for the love of boxing. I want fairness and equality and that is what I intend on upholding with this new title.”

Papali’i said his greatest challenge would be finding ways and opportunities in building better facilities to host boxing tournaments.

“Funding will always be a difficulty faced in any sport, but for boxing alone it does not have overseas backing like rugby.”

“At the moment we do not have a main headquarters and it is also a problem because we have no place to store records concerning the sport of boxing.”

“It is with our hope that by the end of the year there will be an official list of players representing Samoa for the upcoming Pacific Games 2019,” he added.

The 69-year-old from Saleimoa and Aleisa said he has high hopes for Savaii in hosting the boxing competition during the 2019 Pacific Games.

 “There is great potential evident in our young boxers and it is my hope that we can enhance it to produce some of the best players in Samoa,” he said.

By Adel Fruean 24 October 2018, 12:00AM

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