Australia dominates Oceania Boxing Competition in Samoa

By Staff Reporters/

Apia Samoa – 11 September 2026 – Australia and New Zealand are dominating the Oceania Invitational Boxing Competition 2026 as competition goosed into the third day at the Tuanaimato Sports Complex in Samoa.

Fiji is showing a strong presence in the women’s Elite and Youth divisions now placed first in the Youth Womens 80+kg category and Elite Womens 57kg category and second in the Youth and Elite Womens 65kg category.

After the two days of competition, Australia’s Jesse Trent Wicks has won Gold and Kiribati’s Rabangaki Karouna winning Silver in the Elite Mens 55kg category.

Fijis Nakaleto Qarasaumaki has won Gold over Australia’s Nate De Luca in the Youth Mens 55kg category.

New Zealand’s Sebastian Grey has won Gold after Utumailagi Tuna of Samoa was ineligible for the finals.

There are two more days of competition remaining with Session 5 to begin today, Friday 11^th September 2026 at from 2pm.

The competition is being livestream on:

Placings are also being updated on the Box Rank App.

The Minister of Sports & Recreation, Hon. Seuamuli Letuuga Fasi Toma delivering the keynote address to open the Oceania Invitational Boxing Competition at Gym One of the Tuana’imato Sports Complex.

The Competition was officially opened by the Minister of Sports & Recreation, Hon. Seuamuli Letuuga Fasi Toma and attended by Ministers of Cabinet, heads of sporting organisations including the National Olympics committee and students from St. Josephs College and Avele College were present as competition went on to its second day of competition.

Boxers from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, Kiribati, Tuvalu and Vanuatu are taking part in the forerunner to the Oceania Olympics qualifiers to be hosted in Samoa 9in 2027 for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.

The seven teams in their national colours were led by a Samoan student bearing the country name and followed by their respective flag bearers and were given time to perform a cultural item to introduce themselves to the guests and audience both resent and through live television coverage.

Hon. Seuamuli Letuuga Fasi Toma welcomed the teams and officials and acknowledged the Oceania Boxing Federation and all who are supporting and making the tournament work. Speaking as the keynote speaker for the Official opening of the Competition. He then encouraged the athletes to do their best.

“Today, is not only about boxing. It is also about friendship, unity and respect,” said Seuamuli.

He emphasized that it is an opportunity to foster friendship, unity, and respect among nations and communities.

Toma also spoke to the students, noting that boxing can lead to careers beyond the sport itself. They can become players, referees, coaches, or even hold roles in government

Tavita Kaoma of Kiribati against Elijah Qiokata of Fiji.

Coach To’aletai Faumuina David Tua Point of View of Team Samoa
To’aletai emphasized that despite limited time for preparation, the Samoan team has been working hard to develop different tactics and improve their boxers’ skills.

Team coach To’aletai explained that the main focus is for the players to gain experience and enhance their skills through the tournament.

He mentioned that seven local boys and seven overseas fighters are competing, with only two female athletes in the team.

To’aletai also shared that many of the fighters are making their debut in this tournament.

He admitted that some team members were disappointed when he decided to withdraw from certain matches to ensure the safety of the boxers.

He emphasized that the round robin format used in this competition allows fighters to compete in multiple matches, helping them build valuable experience.

The 4-day long competition is being conducted in a round robin style. Only 7 of the 13 countries that were expected to compete made it over for the competition.

The competition is divided in 4 divisions which are:

• Elite Men – 8 divisions (55kg, 60kg, 65kg, 70kg, 75kg, 80kg and 85kg) with 22 athletes competing
• Elite Women – 4 divisions (57kg, 65kg, 70kg and 75kg) with 9 athletes competing
• Youth Men – 6 divisions (55kg, 60kg,65kg,70kg, 75kg and 80kg) with 15 athletes competing
• Youth Women – 2 divisions (65kg and 80+kg) with 7 athletes competing

The competition shows a bright future for the Oceania region as smaller nations such as Tuvalu and Kiribati show there capabilities against the bigger and experienced boxers from Australia and New Zealand.