Boxing: Fighting back, fighting on

At the annual general meeting of the Cook Islands Amateur Boxing Association (CIABA) at the CISNOC office on Tuesday evening, the same executive board was returned ensuring continuity in preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India later this year.
Boxing will be one of six codes representing the country in New Delhi and with a core of boxers under preparation, it’s full steam ahead for the Games.
The Executive Board is:
President: Tupou Faireka
Senior Vice President: Navy Epati
Vice Presidents (2): Puna Dyer and Chris Manu
Secretary: Charles Pitt
Treasurer: Trish Barton
National Coach: Tom Marsters.
Tom Marsters has also been allocated the new task of Equipment Manager.
Clem Arama was seconded to assist the Board as Boxing development Officer.
David Bridge was seconded to assist the Board as Technical Adviser.
The Board also includes up to two representatives from the boxing clubs;
Arorangi-Teava Matapo and Pai Obeda
Tupapa- Phillip Strickland and Chris Manu
Titikaveka- Ringiao Anguna and Clem Arama
Muri-Puna Dyer and Charlie O’Connor
Avatiu-Clive Nicholas and Rei Jack
Atiu-N Kea
Aitutaki-Toru George.
Patron of the CIABA is former champion boxer Piri Puruto III.
Although he did not attend the AGM, those present at the meeting were unanimous in recommending the appointment of trainer and former boxer Pupuke Robati Jnr as Vice Patron in recognition of his service to the sport.
In his report President Tupou Faireka said the highlight of the year was the Mini Games where the small team of four came away with two medals, a silver and a bronze. Prior to the Mini Games, four boxers had taken part in a tournament in Tahiti (24-31 July 2009) which included boxers from Kiribas, Samoa and New Caledonia. In the lead up to the Games there had also been three local boxing contests held at the Banana Court on 26 February 2009, 9 April 2009 and 4 June 2009. These were well attended despite the venue not meeting any international standards.
Faireka said the vision for boxing was to move on and build up.
Navy Epati said that during the Mini games, boxing was the sport which drew the biggest crowds and brought in the most money. Epati said boxing had the potential to be a big money earner and fully deserved to be presented with the equipment such as the ring, following the Games.
Despite the low numbers in the sport, it remains a popular spectator sport with no shortage of people wanting to see the action.
Future plans include a local boxing contest on 13 May 2010 so watch out for the details.
CIABA has also received requests from overseas teams wishing to box in the Cook Islands. Expressions of interest have come from Tahiti, New Zealand and Samoa.

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