Samoan female boxer, Fa’aasu Loia, has fought her way up to a position to win a gold medal for Samoa at the XVI Pacific Games.

At Salelologa Savai’i, Loia defeated Tongan boxer, Kakau Feofaaki Epenisa, who is half Samoan.

Loia started strong, winning the first round with some good punches. 

On the second round, the 22-year-old boxer gave it her all in the ring for her homeland. Her opponent was cut, her left eye bleeding.

But the packed boxing venue came to life when the referee stopped the fight towards the end of the second round, giving Samoa's lone female boxer the chance to win her first medal for Samoa. 

Among the crowd, was Fa’aasu’s uncle, Leatisa Uitime Tala, who nervously watched from the side with anticipation. 

Unfortunately, her parents could not be there to see her fight.

Leatisa was one proud uncle and he credited the Lord for answering their prayers and for the talents bestowed upon his niece. 

Today, Fa’aasu is going up against Heiura Nena from Tahiti who defeated Ismaela Motuku from New Caledonia in the semi-finals.

The New Caledonian boxer will fight Kakau Feofaaki Epenisa from Tonga for bronze medal in the Women’s middle weight (69-75kg) category. 

There are three gold medals for women’s category for this year’s Pacific Games and 10 gold medals for men’s category. 

Fa’aasu is from the villages of Lalomanu and Sa’aga Siumu. 

She is 22-years-old and she resides in New Zealand where she is trained by well-known Samoan, To’aletai David Tua, whom she calls her “Dad.”