The Samoa Boxing Federation has confirmed its team for the Oceania Elite Men’s and Women’s Championships, scheduled for 15–20 September 2025 in Faaa, Tahiti. The tournament is hosted by the Polynesian Boxing Association Tahiti and sanctioned by the Oceania Boxing Confederation (OBC) and International Boxing Association (IBA).
The travelling contingent is led by Team Manager Pauli Wong Chiu Tuipoloa Isara and Coach Faletapapa Tauveve Pea Viligia, with National Coach Sam Yue providing support from Samoa.
Team Samoa – Official List:
- Reuben Viligia, 24, competing in the 86kg men’s category. He is from Luatuanuu/Solosolo and represents Ifilele Boxing Club.
- Lulu Clarissa Tuipoloa, 20, contesting the 81+kg women’s category. From Vailele Uta/Salelologa/Faleula/Lelepa, she is a BCom student at NUS and a member of Mountain Warriors Club. She won a silver medal at the 2023 Pacific Games in Solomon Islands.
- Joseph Viligia, 24, entering the 67kg men’s category. From Luatuanuu/Solosolo, he is also with Ifilele Boxing Club. He was among Samoa’s boxers who competed at the 2023 Pacific Games Solomon Islands, though not a medallist.
The Federation noted that Samoa has maintained momentum following a strong showing at the Oceania Juniors and Youth Championships in July 2024, where two boxers advanced to represent the region at the World Youth Championships in Budva, Montenegro.
This year’s elite championship was initially awarded to New Zealand, then Tonga, before Tahiti took on hosting responsibilities. Samoa remained on standby and now enters the tournament with a young squad that has undergone two months of intensive preparation.
“The boys have seen major changes to their skill and fitness levels. The coaches have prepared them well and we will see how well, when they get into that ring,” the Federation said in a statement.
The Samoa Boxing Federation, under the leadership of President Papali‘i Pasi Poloa, Vice President Aualiitia Tofilau Fa‘afouina Milford, and the Executive Committee, has called on supporters to back the athletes.
“Tatou tapuaia i le alo faiva atu o nei alo o le atunu’u i faipelega. Faafetai Samoa.”
