Oceania Boxing Confederation revitalizes pathway for Pacific athletes

Apia, Samoa – 16 October 2025 – Nine member nations of World Boxing from the Oceania region gathered in Fiji last weekend for the inaugural Oceania Boxing Confederation Congress.

The event marked a major milestone for the region’s boxing community, with the adoption of the Confederation’s statutes and the election of its first Board to guide the organisation’s future.

The inaugural Congress was hosted by the Fiji Amateur Boxing Association and attended by representatives from AotearoaNZ, Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Tahiti, and Tuvalu.

Delegates were welcomed remarks by Ms. Kathy Wong, President of the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) and Board Member of the Oceania National Olympic Committee (ONOC). Ms. Wong underscored the importance of athlete welfare and encouraged greater female participation in boxing throughout the region.

Mr. Ratu Meli Nacuva, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Government of Fiji), congratulated member federations for their perseverance under World Boxing. He reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to the Olympic pathway, stating that “for Fiji, the road to the 2032 Olympics begins now, with boxing playing an integral role.”

The Congress was chaired by Ms. Dinah Glykidis, Vice President of World Boxing, with FASANOC serving as scrutineer to ensure transparency in the election process.

Members of the newly elected Oceania Boxing Confederation Board:

• President: Beulah Daunakamakama (Fiji)
• Vice President (1): Phil Goodes (Australia)
• Vice President (2): Tavui Mike Lemisio (Samoa)
• Board Members: Ishmael Tahiata (French Polynesia), Lefau Francis Joseph Ainuu (Samoa), and Ms. Manaema Saitala (Tuvalu – co-opted)
• Chair, Sports & Competition Committee: Scott Bindloss (Kiribati)
• Treasurer (Chair, Audit & Finance Committee): Vacant
• One Board member position also remains vacant

Delegates expressed sincere appreciation to World Boxing for safeguarding the Olympic pathway for athletes and supporting the revitalization of Oceania Boxing through renewed leadership and unity.

In her first address as President, Ms. Beulah Daunakamakama emphasised the ongoing need to strengthen the Confederation’s foundations, particularly by supporting smaller and resource- limited member nations.

“We are only as strong as our weakest Federation,” she stated. “The warrior spirit that defines our Pacific people is seen in our success in professional boxing and other contact sports. Our goal is to bring that same strength and unity to the amateur Olympic ring.”