Boxing contest a crowd pleaser

Around 200 people including children turned up to the Banana Court on Thursday evening for the first local boxing competition for 2009.
The contest was staged by the Cook Islands Amateur Boxing Association and featured boxers from the Titikaveka Club, Arorangi Club and Avatiu Club.
Judging by their reaction, the crowd thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
The event got under way around 8pm, about one hour behind schedule and several boxers failed to show which meant the fight card being re-organised.
George George himself a former boxer,MCEED the event very ably.
The first bout was an exhibition feature between two internationally experienced boxers, Eddie Daniel of the Titikaveka Club and Rima George of the Arorangi Club. Both boxers represented the Cook Islands at the last South Pacific Games in Samoa and Eddie has fought in New Zealand and Tongan competitions while attached to the same Club in NZ as NZ Heavyweight Champion Shane Cameron. Rima at 58kg, was giving away height, reach and weight to Eddie (75kg) but gave a good account of himself. Theirs was a fast, exciting exhibition.
The second bout saw the highly promising young boxer Marcus Jack of the Avatiu Club beat “Lucky” of the Arorangi Club on points. While Jack, 18yrs, represented the Cook Islands at the last South Pacific Games in Samoa, Lucky, 22 yrs, is a novice. Both boxers were evenly weighed and put on a good demonstration of boxing. During the bout, Lucky had a problem with his head gear being too loose and finally his trousers slipped down to the delight of the crowd. With more ring time under his belt. Jack will fulfill the promise the Association sees in him.
The third bout featured two thirteen year old boxers Andre Iro, the son of league legend Kevin Iro and Ivi Obeda whose father was a former Heavyweight boxer. The heavier Iro had it all over Obeda but Obeda put up a good contest with the fight ending in a draw. This bout was short at three, one minute rounds but the rounds were packed with action which was fast and furious. The youngster’s enthusiasm delighted the crowd.
The fourth bout between Oselei and Bernard Kairua both from the Titikaveka Club, ended in a draw which was affair indication of the fight. Bernard at 101kg was heavier than Oselei who weighed in at 93.2kg. At just 17yrs, Bernard shows tremendous potential while Oselei, the younger brother of former feared local Champion, international medal winning boxer Vengi Haggai, is an up and comer to watch.
The fifth bout was a match up between Marcus Jack and Eddie Daniel which saw Eddie win on points. As both boxers had earlier matches, this contest was three, two minute rounds.
During the evening, tribute was paid to several former outstanding boxers who were champions in their time. The crowd applauded former great Emile Cowan, Piri Purito III, Wilkie Rasmussen Minister for the Mini-Games who attended the event, Matapo and Tom Marsters.
MCEE George George kept the crowd entertained especially with his “ding, ding” impersonation of the time keeper’s bell.
The Boxing Association has a Meitaki Maata to the Management and staff of the Banana Court, Sponsor FRANGI, Lisa and Cherelle who looked after the door, George George, the public for their tremendous support and finally the boxers themselves for doing the sport proud.
The Association will announce their next contest soon as preparations build up to the Cook Islands Games in April.

Headlines : Times 290 02 March 2009
- OPM at loggerheads with PM’s CEO
- Tepaki Group responds to Pa’s lawyer
- Boxing contest a crowd pleaser
- The magic touch, is it fading away?
- Girl Guides celebrate World Thinking Day