Apia, Samoa - October 16, 2024 — Independent Boxing Samoa proudly announces its official formation as of August 19, 2024, marking a pivotal moment in the development of boxing in the Pacific. With a dedicated leadership team and legal backing from Ainuu Law Firm, Independent Boxing Samoa aims to promote boxing while maintaining high ethical standards.
The newly established association, structured under a formal constitution, includes three boxing rings and two operational chapters in Australia and New Zealand. These chapters are key to expanding the sport’s reach and encouraging collaboration across the Pacific region.
The first official meeting of Independent Boxing Samoa took place on August 19, 2024, where the Ainuu Law Firm helped facilitate the election of the executive committee. The elected officers include:
President: Tavu’i Mike Lemisio
Vice President: Papali’i Tuna Tusiata
General Secretary: Opeta Ta’avao
Treasurer: Alofipo Kent Alofipo
Director Referee & Judges: Tuala Sanele Lotu
Coaches Committee: Vui Kelemete Vui, Tauveuveu Pea, and Steven Faoagali (Australia Chapter)
Legal Counsel: Lefau Francis Ainuu
Referee & Judges Committee: Jerome Alofipo
Opeta Ta’avao, General Secretary, emphasized the organization's commitment to providing a platform for Samoan boxers to compete at regional and international levels. “We are excited to work closely with the International World Boxing Body, ensuring that we adhere to the highest standards in boxing practices and athlete welfare,” Ta’avao said.
Samoa’s potential was showcased at the recent International World Boxing meeting in Mongolia, where President Tavu’i Mike Lemisio represented the country. This event allowed Samoa to advocate for the revival of boxing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Independent Boxing Samoa is registered under the Non-Profit Incorporated Societies Ordinance of 1952, with acknowledgment from SASNOC and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (MCIL). The association has plans to organize national and international events throughout 2024 and 2025.
The organization’s goals include:
Collaborating with international boxing bodies to align with global standards.
Mentoring athletes, coaches, and officials.
Promoting boxing as a tool for youth development and physical fitness.
Establishing boxing programs in secondary schools.
Creating pathways for athletes to compete internationally.
Independent Boxing Samoa invites local communities, businesses, and stakeholders to join in fostering a healthy sporting environment that benefits aspiring boxers across the Pacific. The association will be sending a team of boxers to the World Boxing Competition in Sheffield, England, in November 2024, coached by Steven Faoagali. Team members include Jancen Poutoa (80kg), Saliuafi Tuautu (75kg), and Orrin Kingi (92kg).
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:
President: Tavu’i Mike Lemisio (+685 7778769, mike.lemisio@gmail.com)
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