Samoa’s Oceania Boxing Team acknowledge Government’s support

Apia, SAMOA – 22 September 2026 – Samoa’s Boxing Team that got third place in the recent Oceania Invitational Boxing Competition 2026 in Apia, have acknowledged the Government support for the successful hosting of the tournament at the Gym 1, Tuana’imato Sports complex.

The team, led by the Samoa Independent Boxing Inc. Tavu’i Mike Lemisio and legendary Toaletai David Tua and the boxers, called on the Prime Minister to acknowledge the government financial and moral support of the weeklong tournament.

Team New Zealand.

Medals Tally
Samoa as the host nation came in third place with 5 Gold Medals, 4 Silver and 1 Bronze medal. Australia took the lead with 9 Gold and 2 Silver medals followed by New Zealand with 8 Gold, 3 Silvers and 2 Bronze medals. Fiji came in fourth with 4 Gold, 3 Silver and 2 Bronze medals. Kiribati and Tuvalu finished with 1 Silver and 1 bronze each.

The coaches from all six teams agreed that the competition was a great steppingstone for the athletes as they gained experience fighting international opponents as they prepare for the Las Vegas Olympics in 2028.

Oceania Boxing President – Leatigaga Beulah Daunakamakama during her speech at the closing of the Oceania Invitational Boxing Competition 2026.

“A lot of our boxers, they are good, but they can’t get to that level because they don’t get enough ring time,” said Leatigaga Beulah Dunakamakama, President of Oceania Boxing.

“Tournaments like this are really important so our boxers can get that ring time and fight against fighters from New Zealand and Australia who have that international experience.”

The small island nations such as Kiribati and Tuvalu pulled their weight during the competition despite both countries missing out on winning gold.

“It is always a good experience for our athletes once they enter these competitions, because they get to fight the big countries,” said Baadi Taafaki, Head Coach of Tuvalu.

Australian Gold Medalists standing together for Australia’s National Anthem during the Medals Ceremony

Las Vegas Olympics Qualifiers Tournament 2027
The Oceania Boxing President, Leatigaga Beulah Daunakamakama told Talamua that the World Boxing has provisionally approved Samoa as the host of the Las Vegas Olympics Qualifiers in October 2027.
She acknowledges that the Government of Samoa is in full support of next year’s tournament.

There were talks about the Oceania region qualifiers to be held in Africa which would have been very costly for the region to travel over to compete.

“We are so grateful to the Samoa Government and Independent Boxing for putting up their hand and leading the way for us,” said Daunakamakama.

“The facilities are great and Samoa has had so much experience in hosting big event,” said the Oceania Boxing President.

Referees, Judges and Coaches
As part of the tournament, the referees, judges and coaches also went through a two day up skilling workshop before the competition started.

The local referees and judges then put into practise and showcased what they learned as part of their practical for Oceania Qualification.

Referees and Judges during the Oceania Invitational Boxing Competition 2026 with Wayne Rose (sitting in the middle).

“Ladies and gentlemen, with limited neutrality, these Referees and Judges worked tirelessly throughout the competition, and I am extremely proud of what they have done and the performances they produced,” said Wayne Rose, Technical Delegate for the Oceania Invitational Boxing Competition 2026.

During the Closing Ceremony on Saturday 12^th September 2026, twelve Referees and Judges, seven of them were from Samoa and eight Coaches, with the legend To’aletai David Tua were awarded their Oceania Certifications.