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Aasa takes victory in professional debut at inaugural Pacific Rim Boxing Championships

Local boxing sensation Alapati Aasa, made his professional boxing debut when he stepped into the professional ranks on Thursday, May 31, in Samoa, against long time veteran of the ring, Saipeti Muga Asiata of Samoa, in the inaugural Pacific Rim Boxing Championships, hosted by Samoa as part of their 50th Independence Day Celebration.

Aasa was able to pull out a four round unanimous decision win over the veteran Asiata in the Cruiser Weight Division.

“He was a very tough opponent, with a lot of experience. I tried my best to knock him out in the first two rounds, but could not because of his experience. He was the #1 fighter in Samoa, but I was excited and ready,” said Aasa in a telephone interview Sunday morning.

“I want to thank everyone that supported me. I also wish to thank my family in American Samoa and Samoa. I also want to thank my coach and trainer. I am going to keep trying my best every time I step into the ring,” said Aasa.

Aasa made headlines on October 29, 2011 when he captured the All Samoa Mosooi Amateur Boxing Championship Heavyweight Championship title, with a second round Knock Out victory over Galuega Mareko of Samoa, here in American Samoa, prompting his long time coach Henry Tavake, who has been in the boxing business for over 30 years, to take a look at turning his fighter professional.

Samoa News spoke with Tavake who said, “It was a good fight. Asiata had a lot of experience. I am glad it went all four rounds, because if Pati ended it with a knock out, he would not have learned anything.

“Pati is young and eager and wants to fight. The great thing about him is, that he listens, is disciplined and works hard all of the time. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t be making this step up into the professional ranks.”

Tavake said “the turnout to the fights was great. Everyone was into it. It was a packed house as everyone came out to watch all of the fights.”

What’s next on Aasa’s fight card? His coach said, “I am going to try and have a professional bout right here in American Samoa, where Pati will be having his next professional fight.”

AMATEUR BOUTS

Tavake also spoke about his amateur fighters winning the Prime Minister’s Cup.

“We were able to win the Prime Ministers Cup, by winning two out of the three fights. George Tanoa Jr. took the Middleweight class, while Kelepi Fata won the Welterweight. Unfortunately, our Heavyweight Riley Tuala came up short. He fought hard and his opponent was tough. But we took two out of the three to take the cup,” said Tavake.