Samoa Steals the Boxing Stage Again

Night three of the SPG Boxing competition decided the semi-finalists of the Fly, Light, and Middle weight divisions.   A light crowd was in attendance but that didn't hold up the action, especially between the Tahitian and Samoan fighters.  Both nations squared off again in two major bouts on Wednesday night  draw.

Fialelei Enoka (SAM) and Oaike Francis (PNG) made the first few rounds of the Fly weight fight exciting.  Both seemed equally matched but as Francis got into a rhythm it was clear that he is a deadly point scorer.  Big hits were thrown but the meagre Samoan crowd couldn't speed Enoka up or slow Francis down.  In the third round the bout was called due to outscoring.  Francis cheered and Enoka exited humbly, but was certainly disappointed.

Light weight soldiers Mitieli Lacalevu (FJI) and Albert William (SOL) attacked hungrily from the bell, with Albert hitting the mat at one point.  Each fighter swapped jaw bruising jabs; but as the third round culminated Albert was visibly winded and Mitieli easily ducked his half hearted swings and continued gathering points.  Mitieli won on points 30:15.

Ataale Gyan (NCL) and Jeffery Koredong (PNG) squared up in the second of three Light weight fights and abused each other throughout.  Jeffery placed Gyan against the ropes as they made laps around the ring in the first two rounds.  Jeffery threw many more punches but the accurate jabs of Gyan kept him in the lead and secured him a 21:16 win.

Ekerona Filimaua (SAM) and Estall Nohorai (TAH) were only part of the battle as the Tahitian and Samoan fans reacted after every point.  Both fighters traded dirty blows and entered the fourth round only 1 apart.  Excitedly bouncing around the ring Filimaua won the nights closest fight, 22:19, and emotionally thanked the PM and others in attendance. 

Warren Fuiava (SAM) and Cedric Ballais (TAH) opened a string of Middle weight bouts with the heaviest hitting match of the evening.  Warren made his presence known early and forced Cedric to dig deep, both fighters showing blinding quickness.  The Samoan stretched his lead to seven points going into the fourth round and with cameras flashing, and every second felt by the raging hundreds in attendance, won the bout 26:15.

Three lopsided Middle weight fights ensued with Alema Vaele (ASAM) easily teaching the dancing Joseph Deireragea (NRU) a lesson in ring etiquette and winning by a stopped contest due to outscoring in the third.  Tomasi Dago (FJI) mimicked the previous fight by achieving an outscoring rule in the third against Likilua Uepa (TLU).  Benoit Hannequin (NCL) convincingly retired John Kaloka (SOL) in two rounds and won his second fight of the games, ensuring himself a seat in the semi-finals.

All semi-final rounds will be held during the two sessions scheduled for Thursday afternoon (1pm) and evening (6pm).  Nine remaining Samoan boxers will be on stage along with the nine other nations competing for a Friday night fight and chance for gold.

 

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