Boxing Development in the Pacific

New IRB Playing Schedule Affirms Vision for Boxing Development in the Pacific
Press Release: Pacific Rim Boxing Championship

Pacific Rim Boxing Championship chairman, Mr. Edwin Puni sees the latest development in international rugby as an affirmation of the pathway been put in place to see professional boxing in the Pacific mixing it with the best in the near future.

The new playing schedule devised by the IRB, is a big boost to rugby in the Pacific with all three of the leading Pacific rugby union playing nations, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa, played three internationals, including matches against tier one teams on their Southern Hemisphere tour.

Mr. Puni said, “Bottom line is, we need more international tournaments in order for Pacific boxers to develop their talent and build their records. The establishment of the PRBC is a small step in the right direction but we need fights in Australia and New Zealand.”

Last week’s Danny Green vs. Shane Cameron fight saw up and coming prospect Brad Pitt in the cruiserweight score an explosive TKO win in round 3 over aging Fijian boxer Mosese Sorovi.

Samoan cruiserweight champ Vaitele Soi who boasts an impressive professional record of 20-0, 14 by way of knock out was approached to fight Brad Pitt but the deal fell through, Puni confirmed.

Puni said, “A Brad Pitt of Australia vs. Vaitele Soi of Samoa showdown is the fight to watch out for in 2013. Both are title contenders with Shane Cameron of New Zealand in the mix if he decides to stay in the cruiserweight division.”

In the light heavyweight division Puni said, “I would like to see undefeated Warren Fuiava of Samoa take on Robbie Berridge of New Zealand in a title contest in the absence of Soulan Pounceby before taking on Blake Caparello of Australia.”

“Pele Faumui of Samoa who is fighting Fiji middleweight champion Abhay Chand later this week in Nadi has unfinished business with Gunnar Jackson of New Zealand. A Faumui vs. Jackson rematch will be a real cracker and a more explosive fight than their last encounter on the Tua vs. Demitrice card last year.”

Promising welterweight Leti Leti is currently out of sight but not out of mind.

According to Mr. Puni, “Leti needed time out to be with his family but there’s no reason why we can’t see Leti in action next year.”

Also on Mr. Puni’s wish list for 2013 is to see the big boys, Samoan born David Tua and Fijian heavyweight Kali Meehan in a home coming fight either in Nadi or Apia. “Both Tua and Meehan are great role models to aspiring local boxers. Imagine what a home fight will do for boxing in their home country.”

One thing Mr. Puni is certain of, “It’s time to stop having Pacific boxers turn up in the ring in New Zealand and Australia ill prepared for a quick dollar and make a mockery of the sport and an embarrassment to their country.”

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