The People’s Captain, Mahonri Schwalger, will not lace up for the historical Manu Samoa and All Blacks test match at Apia Park but he is putting on his boxing gloves for a good cause.
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Schwalger is among a host of stars who are taking part in the “Pacific Explosion” bouts to be staged the day before the test match on 8 July 2015.
“I don’t know much about boxing,” Schwalger said yesterday. “But when I knew it was for a good purpose I jumped in straight away. It is a challenge for me to try a new sport but I have started my training".
The line up was revealed yesterday by former All Black and Manu Samoa midfielder, Tuigamala Vaaiga Tuigamala, in his capacity as the Promoter for Pound 4 Pound Events.
Schwalger will fight as one of the undercards on a night, which has Joseph Kwadjo from Ghana against Gold Coast-based Samoan boxer, Leti Leti, as the main bout.
The undercards will also feature Tuigamala and his former Manu Samoa teammates, Potu Leavasa and Fred Tuilagi.
Their opponents have yet to be announced.
“The occasion is a celebration of the historical match knowing that a lot of people from overseas will be here to watch the game,” Tuigamala told the media during a press conference held at Scalinis Restaurant.
“It promotes our local talents and also marks the significance of having the All Blacks come to Samoa. This is also for a good cause with money going towards the Samoa Cancer Society".
Tuigamala said the event will also honour former Manu Samoa captain, Papali’i Peter Fatialofa as well as All Blacks hard man, Jerry Collins.
The Promoter said bringing the All Blacks to Samoa was always something Fats wanted to do but it is sad that he is not here to see the realization of his dream.
“We honour Fats on our show because of his tremendous contribution to Samoan rugby in the past,” Tuigamala said.
He also paid tribute to Collins.
“I spoke with Jerry three weeks ago about fighting for this card,” said Tuigamala. “He was keen but now he’s gone. We are going to honour the usos, Jerry and Fats who are two wonderful warriors that had contributed in rugby both Samoa and All Blacks".
The People’s captain, Schwalger was also acknowledged by Tuigamala for his support.
Other names on the cards include Bubba Tuigamala, Warren Fuiava, Tillman and McFarland.
There will also be a celebrity and corporate bout.
Tuigamala said that gloves from renowned Samoan boxers, David Tua, Alex Leapai, Maselino Masoe and Joseph Parker would be auctioned on the night.
Money from the auction will go towards the Samoa Cancer Society and the Samoa Boxing Academy.
South Pacific Professional Boxing Inc. (S.P.B.I) President, Ale Vena Ale, was also present during the press conference.
Ale gave his support and had been the contact for Kwadjo to attend the event.
Pacific Explosion will be held at the Tuana’imato gymnasium 1, on 7 July 2015.
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