Crowd got what it came for-fast, furious action

The “Battle of the Islands” boxing tournament staged by the Cook Islands Amateur Boxing Association (CIABA) at the Tupapa Youth Centre on Thursday evening turned out to be a raging success.
A large crowd, including many young ones, witnessed a great night of exciting amateur boxing and congratulations must go to the CIABA and all involved in organizing the event which went smoothly. In fact it was all over by 9.30pm.
The evening saw boxers from Atiu and Aitutaki taking part along with boxers from Rarotonga’s various clubs-Muri, Mongoose, Arorangi, Tupapa, Nikao, Titikaveka and Pue. Some Rarotonga based boxers had outer island connections. One boxer, Sonny Nooroa is recently arrived from Australia.
On the night the ring announcer was Chris Manu, Jury Chairman-Tupou Faireka, Jury members-Trish Barton and Navy Epati, Time keeper-Manuela, Judges and referees-Teava Matapo, Paul Allsworth, Joe Haupini, Charlie O’Connor, Puna Dyer, Nooroa Tupa and Tevita Vakalalabure, Ring Doctor-Dr Nelisoni from Atiu.
The presence of several prominent citizens was achnowledged-George Magee Tupapa MP, DPM Hon Tom Marsters a former Champion heavyweight boxer, Apii Piho former Manihiki MP and boxer, Taoro Strickland mayor of Atiu and Atiu team Trainer, Joe Vakatini Ariki, Minister for Health Hon Nandi Glassie from Atiu and Papa Kura Strickland.
Some former outstanding boxers were also acknowledged- Pupuke Robati Jnr, Rei Jack, Cameron Henry and John Andrew.
Media present were CI Herald and CITV.
Fight report
Two fights did not take place due to opponents not appearing. These fights were then won by “walk over.” Michael Mourari of the Mongoose Club won by walk over when his opponent Royal Harmon of the Muri Club failed to appear. Rei Jack presented the winner’s medal to Michael.
Marcus Jack of the Arorangi Club won when his opponent Teariki Samuel also of the Arorangi Club failed to show. Apii Piho presented Marcus with the winner’s medal.
Fight 1. Rauti Ellison (Muri) 63.8kg, age 16, 3 fights versus Joshua Jim (Atiu) 63.5kg, age 16, 1 fight-Referee Puna Dyer.
This fight was over three two minute rounds and saw some good exchanges. In round 2, Ellison nearly fell through the ropes near one Judge. Ellison landed some good solid jabs just before the bell. Round 3 was lively with both boxers showing good skills considering their limited ring experience especially Jim. In the end Jim won on points and Dr Nelisoni awarded the medals.
Fight 2. Tamarouru Tangata (Muri) 74.8kg, age 22, 0 fights versus Ngatupuna Tanga (Atiu) 75.1kg, age 16, 0 fights-Referee Charlie O’Connor.
This fight was a crowd pleaser with plenty of fast, furious action. In round 1 Tangata took a standing 8 count. Tanga had a height and reach advantage and rocked Tangata with some solid punches. In round 2 there were good exchanges of blows but some of Tanga’s round house punches missed their target. In round 3, Tangata slipped and fell. Although Tanga was tiring, he lasted to win the fight. Joe Vakatini Ariki presented the medals.
Fight 3. Ina Matakino (Atiu) 67.1kg, age 20, 1 fight versus Oceania Mataiti (Aitutaki) 61kg, age 21, 0 fights-Referee Teava Matapo.
In round 1 Mataiti chased his opponent around the ring as his dad yelled encouragement. Matakino was warned by the ref for head butting. In round 2 Mataiti again pursued Matakino around the ring however some of his punches were wildly thrown. In round 3 Matakino now looking outclassed, took a standing 8 count but during the count, his trainer Taoro Strickland, threw in the towel. The ref then stopped the contest. Mataiti won by RSC-ref stopped contest and Cameron Henry awarded the medals.
Fight 4. Exhibition bout-John Andrew (Arorangi) 84.2kg, age 21, 4 fights versus Edwin Piri (Tupapa) 93.3kg, age 32, 0 fights-Refree Joe Haupini.
In this exhibition fight over 3 two minute rounds, Andrew proved the fitter of the two. In round 2 Piri fell over and then began to tire. In round 3 Piri was visibly tired and wobbly on his feet. Piri also took a standing 8 count. Piri only joined the Club two months ago and this was his first appearance in the ring. Being an exhibition fight only, the Judges declared a draw and MP George Magee presented the medals.
Fight 5. Eddie Daniel (Muri) 73.4kg, age 25, 21 fights versus Sema Robati (Nikao) 79kg, age 20, 0 fights-Referee Tevita Vakalalabure.
The audience may have been surprised to see our most experienced international rep taking on a boxer with no appearances. From the outset it was clear Daniel was not going to take Robati lightly and for good reason. Robati was a promising up and comer some years ago then went to school in NZ and to other sports. Daniel and Robati used to spar in training at the Titikaveka Club so Daniel is aware of Robati’s capabilities. Robati’s father Pupuke Robati Jnr was himself a top boxer and former medal winning Cook Islands international rep. In round one the honours were fairly even although Robati took a standing 8 count. In round 2 Robati was more aggressive, taking the fight to Daniel . As expected Daniel managed some good jabs. In round 3 Robati took another standing 8 count and at times dropped his guard. He tired and his lack of fitness was evident. In the end Daniel won by unanimous decision of the Judges and Mrs Tuaine Marsters presented the medals. After the fight, Pupuke Robabti said Sema has suffered a knee injury some months ago through rugby. Still the signs are there of better to come.
Fight 6. Bernard Okotai (Titikaveka) 127kg, age 22, 8 fights versus Vengi Hagai (Pue) 114.3kg, age not disclosed, no fights since winning silver medal at Pacific Mini games September 2009-referee Nooroa Tupa.
Billed as a Super Heavyweight contest, this match-up was a crowd pleaser with old favourite, former Champion and much feared boxer Vengi Hagai, now much heavier, up against the promising up and comer Okotai. Hagai’s proud international record meant little to Okotai who slugged it out toe to toe with Hagai. Bernard looked the fitter but took a standing 8 count in round 2. In round 3 Hagai tired and took to clinches and backing Okotai onto the ropes. Hagai came out the winner by majority decision and Minister Hon Nandi Glassie awarded the medals. While Hagai has raised his weight, Okotai has lost 10kg thanks to the close supervision of William Framhein who has made it his mission to see Okotai lose more body fat. It’s too early to say if Hagai is on the come back trail.
Fight 7. The main event. Osolai Akai (Mongoose) 89.3kg, age 22, 10 fights versus Sonny Nooroa (Australia) 91.5kg, age 32, 9 fights in Australia, first local bout-Referee Joe Haupini.
This was a good bout between two classy boxers and a good exhibition of boxing showing the audience a wide variety of boxing moves, skilful ring craft and use of the ring. Nooroa’s appearance was much awaited by the CIABA who are eyeing Nooroa up as a future CI representative. In a close match up, the Judges awarded the fight to Akai. Deputy Prime Minister Hon Tom Marsters presented the medals. Akai needs stronger opponents and Nooroa looks certain to provide him with this from now on. Akai quickly adjusted to Noorao’s southpaw style (leading with the right). It was an excellent exhibition of boxing with which to end the evening.

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