2 Jul 2007

Samoan boxers enjoy huge success in Auckland

10:28 am on 2 July 2007

Arguably the best boxing team to represent Samoa in a couple of decades, showcased their skills against a New Zealand invitation team, in Auckland on Saturday night.

The team who had three Oceania gold medallists and several silver recipients defeated the New Zealand invitation side by six bouts to two.

The Samoan team are in New Zealand as part of their build-up for the South Pacific Games to be held in Apia in August.

New Zealand's number one rated boxer and welterweight champion Joe Blackbourn showed why he is held is high regard when he beat Oceania champion Eleti Leti in the welterweight.

The closest fight of the night was the lightweight contest between Angus Donaldson and Oceania silver medallist Tony Iapesa, won by Donaldson three two after the scores were tied at 17 all after four rounds.

The full results

Bantamweight: Fassala Livai beat Dayne Williams - pts

Featherweight: Samuelu Faialaga beat Scott Gardiner - pts

Lightweight: Angus Donaldson beat Tony Iapesa - pts

Welterweight: Joe Blackbourn beat Eleti Leti - pts

Middleweight: Hugo Fata beat Issac Peach - pts

Middleweight: William Fuiavailiili beat Gunnar Jackson - pts

Light Heavyweight: Farani Tavui beat Rhys King - pts

Heavyweight: Vaitele Soi beat Dave Aloua Rogers - RSC injury