ASBF delivers great boxing at the “Rise Up Boxing Competition”

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — What was billed as a youth boxing tournament meant to promote fair competition and development ended in controversy, as the American Samoa Boxing Federation (ASBF) raised serious concerns over mismatches, questionable officiating, and misleading assurances from organizers at the “Rise Up Boxing Competition” hosted by Marist Boxing Samoa.

The ASBF's six-member team, composed of four debutants and two with minimal in-ring experience, entered the ring at the Don Bosco Technical Center in Alafua with heart and high hopes. What they faced, however, was a daunting lineup of seasoned fighters, several of whom were gold medalists from international tournaments.

Despite the odds, the ASBF boxers showed remarkable courage, trading punches with their far more experienced opponents and earning the respect of many in the crowd.

Only two of the ASBF fighters had prior experience. Audiescott Iakopo had fought in Saipan’s national “Ring of Fire” competition in 2023, where he claimed victory by unanimous decision. Meanwhile, Losi Tunoa’s first time in the ring came during the 2023 Pacific Games, where he represented American Samoa in a losing effort against a seasoned Tongan opponent.

The remaining four ASBF boxers, including 15-year-old elementary student Nu'usa Nu'usa, had never stepped inside a ring before Friday night. Their preparation had been limited to just two and a half months of training, without access to a ring or proper facilities in American Samoa.

Marist Boxing Samoa officials had informed ASBF leadership prior to the event that their own boxers were “rookies” drawn from inter-school programs with no international experience. However, post-event research by Samoa News revealed that all six Marist fighters had competed internationally, and several held gold medals from prestigious tournaments.

“We were lied to,” said Coach Stanley Iakopo. “If I had known their boxers were international champions, I would have pulled out unless they matched our boxers fairly. This was unethical and dangerous.”

The night opened with a gutsy performance from Nu'usa Nu'usa, who faced 2024 OCBC gold medalist Johnsal Semi. Nu'usa defied expectations, fighting with poise and resilience. However, the referee issued three standing eight-counts against him, none reciprocated when Nu'usa landed clean counters. Semi won by unanimous decision, but many in the audience knew they had witnessed something more meaningful: a young warrior earning his stripes.

In the second bout, Iakopo showcased his power against Marist’s Mike Vui, even flooring him with a left hook. Yet referee Sanele Motu, also Marist’s Director of Referees and Judges, failed to issue a count against Vui while repeatedly calling eight-counts against Iakopo for seemingly minor hits. Vui was awarded the win by split decision, prompting murmurs of dissatisfaction from many in the crowd.

The third fight between Tunoa and Marist standout Daniel Alofipo ended in similar controversy. After four eight-counts, the referee stopped the bout just seconds before the final bell. “He was still standing strong,” said Coach Iakopo. “They robbed him of a finish.”

Following the third main event fight, the Marist Boxing Ring held a brief recess to deliver a poignant tribute to Lionel Fatupaito, the former Marist and national coach. Fatupaito, who tragically passed away suddenly during the 2023 Olympic Games in Paris, was officially recognized for his invaluable contributions to boxing in Samoa.

In a moving gesture, Faumuina David Tua presented a commemorative plaque to Fatupaito’s sister, Dr. Farah Fatupaito-Maru, honoring his legacy.

After the tribute, the competition resumed with the final three main event bouts under a new officiating referee.

Before the fourth bout got underway, however, Marist officials informed ASBF they were required to switch from 10oz gloves to 12oz gloves, midway through the competition. The new gloves, described by Coach Iakopo as “used, sweaty, and soggy,” raised additional concerns.

“There was no consistency,” he said. “We were told to bring our own gear. Then suddenly, we’re forced to wear theirs, while not knowing what their fighters were using. It was chaotic.”

The fourth bout saw ASBF boxer Lui Benjamin Leitu take on Darious Poulava in a short-lived but dramatic encounter. Just 15 seconds into the first round, Poulava — the most experienced Marist fighter, who began his boxing career at the age of 12 in 2018 — delivered a perfectly timed right hook that landed squarely on Leitu’s chest. Caught completely off guard, Leitu hit the canvas with a resounding thud, marking a swift victory for Poulava. While the KO was legitimate, the mismatch itself was obvious.

Next, Jonathan Ah Ping of the ASBF squared off against Achillespaul Taavao of the Upolu Boxing Ring in the 86-92kg weight division. The first round was fiercely contested, with Ah Ping charging forward and landing powerful body and head shots.

However, Taavao soon found his rhythm and began dominating exchanges in the latter rounds, systematically pushing Ah Ping against the ropes and unleashing a series of punishing combinations. The momentum shifted entirely in Taavao’s favor, forcing the referee to halt the fight in the third round after calling a fourth eight-count on Ah Ping.

In the night’s final bout, Taugauli Mariner, subbing for Andrew Hunkin, who withdrew at the last minute, held his own in the super heavyweight clash against Savai’i’ Boxing Ring's Uaita Poutoa.

However, Poutoa’s experience and tactical skill became apparent as the fight progressed, ducking, parrying, and even locking Mariner’s head in tight holds, akin to a wrestling maneuver. Frustrated after freeing himself from Poutoa’s third headlock, Mariner roared a Samoan “faaumu”, an intimidating war cry, that electrified the atmosphere.

As the final moments ticked down, Mariner’s fatigue became evident, his guard weakened, leaving openings for Poutoa’s relentless headshots. Still, with sheer grit and determination, Mariner launched into a last-ditch flurry of punches, engaging Poutoa in a thrilling exchange that persisted until the final bell rang, concluding an action-packed night of boxing. Poutoa won by unanimous decision.

On Saturday, after the tournament, Samoa News searched the internet for information on the Marist boxers and discovered that all of them have been competing internationally, some winning gold medals in prestigious international tournaments.

Sixteen-year-old Johnsal Semi of the Upolu Boxing Ring, who was pitched against 15-year-old elementary student Nu'usa Nu'usa had won a gold medal at the OCBC Youth & Junior Championships in Tahiti in July 2024. He competed in the Junior Men 52-54kg Bantam weight category, defeating Itchner Tanito of French Polynesia in the final.  

Mike Vui of Marist Boxing Ring, who traded blows with Audiescott Iakopo of the ASBF in the 67-69kg weight division, was part of a Marist Boxing Samoa six-member team that toured New Zealand in May 2024. Two other boxers who fought last Friday night (Samoa time), Daniel Alofipo and Darious Poulava, were part of that team.  

Daniel Alofipo, who fought American Samoa's Losi Tunoa in the 71-74kg weight division, had competed in various international tournaments. In 2024, the 16-year-old won a gold medal at the Oceania Boxing Confederation 2024 event, where he secured victory by knockout against a fighter from Fiji. Additionally, he won the men’s 70kg final at the Oceania Youth & Junior Championships in Tahiti, defeating Manasa Kalivakarua of Fiji.  

Eighteen-year-old Darious Poulava of the Marist Boxing Ring, who floored ASBF's Lui Benjamin Leitu with a devastating right blow, was the most experienced boxer in the ring last Friday night. Poulava began competing internationally as a 12-year-old in the 45kg cadet division of the Samoa vs New Zealand 2018 Tournament at the Hastings Sports Center in New Zealand.

He won by split decision against Hadley McDougall of Hastings Giants Boxing Academy. In 2019, he again won by split decision against Rook Weaver at ABA Stadium, Auckland. He has also recorded a win by knockout in Round 2 at the Samoa Inter-College Boxing Competition.  

Achillespaul Taavao of the Upolu Boxing Ring dominated his bout against American Samoa's Jonathan Ah Ping. According to information on the internet, 18-year-old Taavao competed in the 2023 OCBC Youth & Junior Oceanic Championships in the 80-86 kg Youth Final. He faced Brian Nansen in Apia but lost by unanimous decision.  

Nineteen-year-old Uaita Poutoa of the Savaii Boxing Ring and ASBF's Taugauli Mariner clashed in the 100+ weight division. According to BoxRec, Poutoa competed in the 2023 OCBC Youth & Junior Oceanic Championships in the 80+ kg Junior Semi-Finals, where he faced Heivini Atiu in Apia but lost by unanimous decision.

Coach Iakopo expressed outrage upon discovering the full résumés of the Marist boxers his rookies faced.

“Our boys could have been seriously hurt,” he said. “These weren’t rookies, they were elite, international champions. How could anyone justify this?”

ASBF President Paepaetele Mapu Jamias echoed the sentiment. “This was unethical and dangerous. This is the first and last time we will participate in a Marist Boxing Samoa event.”

Despite the setbacks, Coach Iakopo took pride in his team.

“These boys trained for just two and a half months. They stepped into enemy territory, against champions, and fought like lions,” he said. “They should walk tall. They’ve earned their place, and they’ve earned our respect.”

The ASBF now looks to refocus on developing local infrastructure, including acquiring a regulation boxing ring and training facilities to properly prepare their athletes. With the heart, grit, and raw potential on display last weekend, it’s clear the future of boxing in American Samoa is bright, provided it's given a fair shot.