Boxing’s big night out

Boxing’s big night out on Saturday 28 August at the Telecom Sports Arena (TSA)in Nikao promises to be a stunning exhibition of amateur boxing featuring young athletes from the Cook Islands Sports Academy (CISA) up against the fit young boxers from the stables of trainers in the Cook Islands Amateur Boxing Association (CIABA).
Boxer and former rugby league star Monty Betham will be the star attraction at the event.
The evening will get underway at 6.30pm and for the first time boxing is able to incorporate corporate tables ringside and a fine dining experience to accompany a great spectacle of boxing. There are 10 corporate tables each sitting 10 guests and 10 tables for the sponsors and their guests.
The guests at the corporate tables will each receive a three course meal with silver service, refreshments and a 2010 CIABA tee shirt.
A few corporate tables at $1,000 per table ($100 per person) are still available and companies or persons interested should contact Navy Epati on ph 55 450 or on ph 29 421.
As well as the corporate guests there will be plenty of seating for boxing fans at $5 for adults and $2 for children. Tickets can be purchased on the night at the door.
Outside the TSA food stalls will provide some sustenance and refreshments.
The organizers plan to schedule at least 10 bouts on the night featuring some well known local boxers such as Eddie Daniel (winner of six of his last eight fights in Sydney Australia where he now trains), Osalai Hagai (Bronze Medal winner at the September 2009 Pacific Mini Games) and Matthew Titoa who represented the Cook Islands at a Pacific Tournament in Tahiti held before the Pacific Mini Games.
Also down to feature are; Marcus Jack a very promising young boxer who represented the Cook Islands at the 2009 Pacific Mini Games and Super Heavy Weight Bernard Okotai.
A young Cook Island boxer based in Tahiti has just arrived and may be included. He is Jubilee Arama whose father hails from Aitutaki and mother from Manihiki. Arama looks every inch a fighter. He is tall, has a long reach and looks fit.
In amateur boxing the bouts are normally over 3, three minute rounds however, the bouts between the CISA boys and the boxers from CIABA will be over 3, two minute rounds. The shorter duration is in recognition of the fact the CISA boys are conditioned for rugby not boxing.
Proceeds from the evening will be split between CISA and CIABA with the CIABA share going to assist the team to the Commonwealth Games.
So get along to the TSA on Saturday evening for what promises to be a great night of entertainment and boxing.

By Charles Pitt

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