A boxing event featuring former All Blacks and Manu Samoa players is shaping up to be one the big drawcards when the All Blacks visit in July.
The event is scheduled for Tuesday 7 July at the Tuana’imato Sports Complex, the night before the historical test match at Apia Park.
Tuigamala is excited about the boxing event and predicts it to attract more people to Samoa than last year’s S.I.D.S Conference.
Behind the event is rugby legend, Tuigamala Va’aiga Tuigamala, better known as Inga the Winger.
<script async src="http://www.samoaobserver.ws///pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>
<!-- ads-articles(24.03.14) -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:inline-block;width:336px;height:280px"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-9419815128221199"
data-ad-slot="2395638412"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
He said the names of the boxers will be announced in a few weeks.
“It’s all good outside the ring, but trying to get them in the ring is another story,” he says, laughing.
In talking about the All Blacks Manu Samoa game, Tuigamala who has played for both teams says “It’ll be a huge, huge event!" He talked about the game being atmospheric and compared it to the recent win of the NZ Black Caps. He expects a similar atmosphere in Samoa.
“I love the hearts of the Samoan people. They are very passionate...”
Inga is not worried about the game being held on a Wednesday.
“We don’t care. The fact is that the All Blacks are coming to our beautiful shores of Samoa. This is something to be proud of. We could play them on a Saturday, a Sunday or Monday...it doesn’t matter.”
He encouraged rugby fans in Fiji and Tonga to come and watch the game, as it’s the first time the New Zealand Rugby Union are sending the A team.
Inga is yet to confirm the attendance of some of the biggest names in rugby, as the rugby seasons end at different times depending on where the players live.
“There will be people here from all walks of life, coming in droves to embrace this opportunity.”
Having played for both teams, Inga says that the feeling one gets when singing the National Anthem and performing the siva tau is unmatched.
"Personally, when representing the All Blacks and Manu Samoa, there was nothing that makes you more proud than singing our National Anthem and performing the siva tau.
No amount of money can compensate representing your own country. Even more so, Manu Samoa.”
Inga congratulates Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, who is also the Chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union.
“I want to embrace him for his enormous work behind the scenes and the unsung heroes, for being able to get the All Blacks here.”
The event, he says, involves everybody as part of this nation; from politicians to grandparents to children who aspire to play for Manu Samoa.
“Get behind it. Enjoy the moment.
It might not happen again. The great All Blacks have come to our shores!”
<!-- 336x280 (bottom-article) -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:inline-block;width:336px;height:280px"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-2469982834957525"
data-ad-slot="1033882026"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>{/googleAds}
<