Sports
Young Samoan boxers impress World Champion Jai Opetaia
By Talaia Mika
APIA, SAMOA – 07 SEPTEMBER 2022: Young Samoan boxing amateurs have impressed the IBF World Boxing Cruiserweight champion, Jai Opetaia with their potential and skills showcased at the 60th independence anniversary Samoa Boxing Championships.
Held at the Samoa Boxing Federation center at Vaitele on Tuesday night, young and up and coming Samoa and American Samoan boxers competed in the two-day tournament which Jai Opetaia was the guest of honour.
The cruiserweight champion told Talamua he continues to be amazed with loads of potential in the young boxers at the tournament and the right guidance can take them far.
“They all got that natural skills and abilities but it’s just that fitness level,” said Opetaia. “Everyone got tired in the third round, but it isn’t just that, it’s also something to see them have so much heart, not any of them was seen quitting which was so good to see.”
Opetaia’s presence was an inspiration and encouragement to the boxers competing.
Attitude was another that Opetaia found impressive about them.
Jai Opetaia with some of the tournament’s winners.
Opetaia and his management confirmed that they are looking at possible pathways for the young Samoan boxers to give them better opportunities and to give back to Samoa through training scholarships.
“I’m at a point where I’m able to give back there and it’s the best feeling being able to do well and see these kids follow their dreams as well,” he said.
“We’re looking at starting scholarships to help them and look at bringing fights over here and starting camps and stuff like that because there’s a lot of potential here and these kids have tremendous natural skills…. they just need that pathway or guidance and they can go all the way,” said the 27 year old champion.
“I had the right pathways that got me here.”
