Tahiti Boxing Accident a Cruel Reminder of Sports Risks

Tahiti Boxing Accident a Cruel Reminder of the Risk Sports People Take

10th May 2012

Chairman of the newly established Pacific Rim Boxing Championship (PRBC), Mr. Edwin Puni is calling for all boxing fraternities in the region to take the safety and welfare of boxers seriously.

The call comes following the tragic death of New Zealand boxer Willman Rodriques as a result of his bout in Tahiti.

Mr. Puni however is quick to brush aside any blame on Rodriques, his trainer Eugene, match making and Tahiti officials.

“This is a risk that all sports people take, not just boxing. I’m comfortable with the information that I’ve received to date that Rodriques was in good physical form and this was not a mismatch.”

In a letter to Mr. Bayard Gobrait, President of the Polynesia Professional Boxing League, Mr. Puni wrote, “First let me extend my support to the boxing fraternity in Tahiti whom no doubt are affected by this unfortunate accident.”

The unfortunate accident has affected many in the New Zealand boxing scene like respected veteran trainer Lolo Heimuli, “What intended to be a trip of a lifetime to the beautiful Island of Tahiti, while broaden fight experience, became a horror story to the family, friends and gym mates of Wilman Rodriquez. He was tragically punched during the first 30 seconds of the first round and died on his way to the hospital.”

Lolo Heimuli also comes in defense of William’s trainer Eugene, “Understandably he said he is quitting the fight games altogether. I don’t blame him for feeling this way. But I hope he won’t because there are lots of young (and old) under qualified coaches out there who would put young fighters more at risk.”

“Willman is one of the toughest I have ever seen. When the promoter’s message was passed on to Eugene to look for a 60kg fighter, Willman’s name was the first I thought about although they have other 60kg fighter at City Kickboxing.”

PRBC Chairman Mr. Edwin Puni confirms that boxer safety and welfare will be part of the agenda when the Executive meets in Samoa later this month.

ENDS

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