Prime Minister calls for commitment & support for Boxing’s future

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 7 September 2026: One of the key factors raised by Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt at the welcoming ava ceremony for all Oceania boxing teams, was to ensure that the future of boxing is secured.

Delivering the keynote address, he said sports has always played an important role in bringing people together and through boxing, young Samoans can develop courage, resilience and a strong sense of pride in representing their families, villages and country.

He pledged the Governments’ continued support for boxing but need to be informed early as boxing is not the only sport the Government supports.

“The Ava ceremony is more than just a sporting occasion, but a chance to strengthen partnerships among our Pacific nations,” said the Prime Minister at the welcome of overseas boxers and officials last Saturday.

The Prime Minister said Samoans are artistic boxers, and the Government will work alongside sporting organisations, committees and international bodies to create opportunities and facilities and openings on the regional and international stage.

The Fijian boxing team taking part in this weeks tournament.

He also acknowledged the important contribution that sport makes to the development of Samoa and the significance of this week-long tournament is to provide a chance for athletes and officials to gain experience through workshops and training and a chance for Samoa to showcase her hospitality status to the world.

Laauli also acknowledged Samoa’s legendary boxer, Faumuina To’aletai David Tua who has made a mark internationally and has returned home to help the development of pathways for the young athletes.

The Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers with the participating Boxing teams and officials after the Ava Ceremony at the Samoa Tourism Fale last Saturday.

Born into a family of boxers including his late father who was a politician and South Seas champion, Laauli light-heartedly said he wanted to be a boxer but his father said he should do his fighting in Parliament.

At the welcome Ava ceremony, each team leader was presented a cup – acknowledging their presence and participation in the weeklong tournament.

Countries represented include Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tuvalu, Samoa and others arriving today. There will also be capacity building and accreditation of referees and officials.

This weeks’ actual boxing tournament starts on Wednesday with the finals on Saturday evening and the event is free to the public. This is a build up to next years’ Oceania Olympics Boxing Qualifiers which will also be hosted in Apia for boxers to qualify for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.