Rising Samoan boxer, Marion Ah Tong continues to fight his way up to achieving his dreams and perhaps one day get a shot at world title.

Last Saturday, he stepped onto foreign soil for the first time as a professional fighter and was up against one of Fiji's veteran boxers, Abhay "the Tiger" Chand in a super welterweight fight for the Pacific Showdown Boxing tournament that was held in Suva. 

Ah Tong who made his professional debut bout last year in Samoa at the Next Generation Judgement Day 2022 at the Faleata Sports Complex in November of last year, took out Fijian, Abhay ‘Tiger’ Chand in a first-round knock.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer from Sydney after his victory over the weekend, Ah Tong attributed his success to the country he proudly represents. 

"I represent Samoa wherever I go, whether it be amateur or in the professional ranks," said Ah Tong. 

"I fought in the capital of Fiji last week, with “Apia” on my boxing trunks. This win is for my hometown, Apia where it all started for me, my boxing dream and journey."

The 22-year-old from Luatuanu'u said his inspiration is drawn from the people he trains with. 

"We all have different backgrounds but the same goal, and seeing their drive and sacrifices inspires me to strive to be the best in whatever I do as well," he said.

As a Samoan, born and raised in the culture and with Christian values, Ah Tong said he is always turning to his God and faith before stepping into the ring for a fight. 

"I remind myself that God is always with me," he told this newspaper. 

"I also remind myself of how far I've come and that I've done all the hard work needed and that really helps me focus and get to achieve my goals." 

After winning his second professional bout in Fiji, Ah Tong is now back in Sydney and is working to return to the amateur scene in May for the World Champs and perhaps an Olympic spot as he is eligible under the new rules.

Ah Tong and Seuai Ato Faoagali will be representing Samoa at the is the Amateur World Championship in May in Uzbekistan.

Another rising star, Papali’i Jancen Poutoa will join Ah Tong and Faoagali to compete in the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands in November which will be an Olympic qualifying event for the Paris Olympics 2024.

Ah Tong won a silver medal in the 2018 Oceania Youth Championship, gold in the 2019 Pacific Games, and gold in the 2020 New Zealand Amateur Championships.