Fight night bigger, better

A large crowd turned up to watch the boxing staged by the Cook Islands Amateur Boxing Association (CIABA) at the Tupapa Youth Centre on Thursday evening.
It was a good, well behaved and vocal crowd of young and old, there were young people, children and former boxers the likes of Rei Jack, John Andrew Snr, Pupuke Robati Jnr, Puna Dyer and Nooroa Tupa.
A number of prominent personalities were also present; Tupapa MP George Maggie, Atiu MP Nandi Glassie, Aitutaki MP Moana Ioane, Atiu Mayor Taoro Strickland and Joe Vakatini Ariki.
It was the second event to be staged by CIABA at the Centre.
CIABA staged two exhibition fights and seven competition bouts with medals being awarded.
The event was billed as a trial for selection of the Cook Islands boxing team to the Pacific Games in New Caledonia.
Three boxers from Atiu under Trainer Taoro Strickland, took part; Joshua Jim, Ina Matakino and Thomas Marsters. The Atiu fought in a yellow strip.
The ring announcer and Chief Judge was Chris Manu, Jury-Trish barton, Time Keeper-Pepe Munokoa, Medical Officer-Dr Teariki Faireka. Although the electronic scoring system was not used, International Boxing Rules were observed. Boxers wore required safety gear and Refs and Judges were qualified.
The evening’s events got under way with an opening prayer by Reverend Patia.
The first event, an exhibition bout of two one minute rounds between MP George Maggie’s son Sean and Brandon Kamana was awarded to Sean when Brandon failed to show.
Two boxers, Rauti Ellison and Teariki Samuel withdrew from their bouts because of illness.
Here is a brief run -down of the other events which comprised three, three minute rounds.
Royal Harmon, Muri Club, 63.4kg, 13 yrs, 3 fights versus Joshua Jim, Atiu Club, 65.5kg, 16yrs, no previous fights. Ref Puna Dyer.
The taller Jim used his height and reach advantage to good effect. Jim came out fists blazing with round house punches and this resulted in many entanglements with Harmon who lost his balance and fell in round one. In round two, Harmon took a standing eight count and after the bell, both kept fighting as the ref did not hear the bell. In round three both fighters got into a clinch and fell to the floor. It was an exciting match up which had the crowd roaring. It was a close bout but Jim won on a split decision and Atiu MP Nandi Glassie presented the medals.
Travel Tuaputao, Muri Club, 74.3kg, 16yrs, 1 fight versus Ina Matakino, Atiu Club, 67.8kg, 20yrs, no previous fights. Ref Paul Allsworth.
Matakino was in trouble in round one when his groin protector became displaced then he hit Tuaputao below the belt. It was a good first round with Matakino punching straight. In round two, Tuaputao appeared to have been winded and leaned over the ropes in his corner. He retired hurt and his seconds threw in the towel. Matakino won the bout and Joe Vakatini Ariki presented the medals.
Thomas Marsters, Atiu Club, 85.9kg, 19yrs, no previous fights versus Dion Wigmore, Titikaveka Club, 116kg, 20 yrs, 1 fight. Ref Teava Matapo.
Marsters was up against it from the start with the much heavier Wigmore (big “D”) pursuing him all over the ring. Marsters tried hit and run tactics but suffered when cornered by Wigmore. Marsters tired as the bout proceeded and took four standing eight counts; two in round one, one in round two and one in round three. The ref halted the bout as he ruled Marsters was outclassed. Wigmore, who has his own fan club, was awarded the bout and MP George Maggie presented the medals.
There was a 15 minute break at this point and when the programme resumed, all were asked to stand and there was a minutes silence in respect of Sir Apenera Short who passed away recently. Papa Apenera was a former boxer and boxing coach at the Ngatangiia Club.
Exhibition match: John Andrew Jnr, Arorangi Club, 83.4kg, 21yrs, 3 fights versus Matthew Titoa, Mongoose Club, 85.7kg, 28yrs, 6 fights. Ref Joe Haupini.
Andrew who is a most promising boxer, was up against a flashy, older, wise head in Titoa. Andrew took a standing eight count in round one and again in round two. The ref stopped the bout in round two. Titoa was declared the winner and Reverend Patia presented the medals.
Michael Edwards, Mongoose Club, 69.9kg, 17yrs, 8 fights versus Eli Daniel, Titikaveka Club, 70kg, 21 yrs, 4 fights. Ref Nooroa Tupa.
This fight was a rematch of the previous fight night. Edwards is a bright prospect and had at one stage, been named to represent the Cook Islands at the Youth Olympics in the Isle of Man. The action in this fight did not materialize until round three. The first two rounds were largely feeling out, with little contact. Edwards won by unanimous decision of the Judges and Atiu mayor Taoro Strickland presented the medals. Eddie Daniel, Muri Club, 75kg, 25yrs,20 fights versus Marcus Jack, Mongoose Club, 70.4kg, 20 yrs, 10 fights. Ref Tevita Vakalalabure.
This match was also a rematch of the previous fight night. Jack seemed to get the better of Daniel in round one with good combination punches especially when he had Daniel in the corner. Daniel had a better round in round two. In the third, Daniel tried hard to put Jack away. Twice Jack had problems with his chin strap in round two and three. This was a good, crisp fight between two classy boxers who showed plenty of skill and ring craft. In the end Daniel won by unanimous decision of the Judges and the medals were presented by well known sports administrator Tony Hole who disappointed when he failed to do his trademark “dance.”
Feature bout: Bernard Okotai, Titikaveka Club, 132.8kg, 22 yrs, 7 fights versus Osolai Hagai, Mongoose Club, 93.7kg, 22 yrs, 9 fights. Ref Joe Haupini.
The bout between these two super heavyweights was the feature of the night and a rematch of their encounter at the previous fight night. Both boxers are crowd favourites and they did not disappoint the fans. The big hitting Okotai was more reserved in the first two rounds, conserving his strength and energy against a more mobile Hagai. Hagai used the ring to his full advantage in dodging Okotai’s rushing attacks. In the third round, Okotai made his move and Hagai had to call on all his skilful footwork to avoid being knocked out. Hagai also did not employ body shots. The crowd appreciated this match up which saw Hagai declared the winner and Tuakana Faireka awarding the medals on behalf of her husband Tupou who is currently overseas.
The event ended at 9.40pm with a closing prayer by Reverend Patia.

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