P.M. talks up Parker’s title defense in Samoa

By Sarafina Sanerivi 31 March 2017, 12:00AM

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi is not ruling out the possibility for Samoa to host Lupesoli’ai La’aulialemalietoa Joseph Paker’s world title defense against Hugie Fury in May.

The government is considering a proposal from Duco Events, seeking a substantial sum of money for the fight – and the possibility of it shifting to Samoa. 

The owner and Founder of Duco Events, Segiali’i David Higgins and promoters of Parker’s fight met with Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi yesterday.

“The promoters (of the fight) are in the country,” said Tuilaepa. 

“They are here to see and ask whether it is possible to bring the fight here to Samoa.”

Tuilaepa said the idea of Samoa hosting such a big event “is not a problem.”

“Having it here is not the problem,” he said. “But the only thing we need to look at is the money. That’s the only thing we need to look at.”

The Prime Minister has also downplayed the comments made by Kiwi boxing commentator Mike Angove, saying that that the possibility of Samoa hosting the fight is “just not doable.”

Tuilaepa said nothing is impossible.

 “Look the thing is, we (Samoa) hosted a meeting where over 4,000 people attended. 

“He (Angove) doesn’t know that we hosted many more people than the number expected to travel over for this fight. 

“So he doesn’t understand and know that we hosted 171 members of the United Nations conference in Apia, and it was the best meeting ever.

“Obviously, we can host any event. We can do anything.”

He went on to say that if Samoa hosts the fight, this will just add on the list of great events to look forward to in the coming months. 

Especially in boosting Samoa’s image as a sporting destination for tourists.

“We will host not only the fight, but also the historic fixture between the Blues and Queensland Reds at the Apia Park.”

But that’s not all. Tuilaepa said is another exciting rugby match in the works.

“The Samoa Rugby Union has made a proposal that they are now negotiating with the All Blacks whether it is possible to have another game with the All Blacks here in Samoa around this time. 

“This is during the time of the Independence Celebration in Samoa. So it’s is something we all should look forward to.”

By Sarafina Sanerivi 31 March 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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