The Cook Islands Boxing Association Fight Night held late last month enticed 14 boxers into the ring from three clubs on the island.

The boxers featured on the August 30 programme held at the Tupapa Netball Domes were from Waltingo Boxing Club in Titikaveka, the Risings Stars (Ruatonga) and Ngatangiia Matavera Boxing Club.

The event raised a total of $2775.

In a statement on social media, Liz Schuster, president of the Cook Islands Boxing Association, said: “The true stars of the evening were our young future champions.”

“Seeing these boxers step into the ring, some for the very first time, was both inspiring and uplifting.”

The event also featured an exhibition fight – one of the highlights of the night – between two advocates for men’s health. Neil “Shagga” Savage of Waltingo Boxing club faced Shaun “The Chef” Christian, also of Waltingo Boxing Club, showcasing their skills and fitness levels.

Officials on the night were Paul Mangakahia, Tupou Faireka, Nooroa Tupa and Moutara Cummings.

The Cook Islands Boxing Association would like to sincerely thank the boxing clubs on Rarotonga for supporting the Fight Night Cook Islands event.

“Your generosity and enthusiasm were pivotal in making the event a resounding success,” Schuster said.

“We appreciative your continued support, and we look forward to bringing you even more exciting events in the future.”

The boxers who fought in the programme will be representing their islands of Atiu, Rarotonga and Manihiki at the 2024 Cook Islands Games to be held next month.

Several boxing clubs are also assisting in the preparation of other boxers who will be competing in the Cook Islands Games to be held from October 4 to October 19.

Results

The results from the Fight Night are as follows: Bout 1 Joel Maezlyhnn Prasad – Waltingo Boxing Club vs Leroy Matapo Waltingo Boxing Club – both fighters withdrew; Bout 2 Alandis Willie – Ngatangiia Matavera Boxing Club vs Taratake Ioane  - Rising Stars (Winner); Bout 3 Noema Maunga – Waltingo Boxing Club vs Matatapu Ioane – Rising Stars (Winner); Bout 4 Neil “Shagga” Savage – Waltingo Boxing club vs Shaun “The Chef” Christian – Waltingo Boxing Club (Winner); Bout 5 Jeremiah vs Winton Herman – Rising Stars (Winner); Bout 6 Cassius Matapo – Waltingo Boxing Club vs Caleb Ngamata – Ngatangiia Matavera Boxing Club (Winner); Bout 7 Tuakana Teokotai – Ngatangiia Matavera Boxing Club  (Winner) vs Matatapu Ioane – Rising Stars; Bout 8 Tevini Henderson – Waltingo Boxing Club vs William Robinson – Rising Stars (Winner).