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Sāmoa Dominates Pacific Nations Cup, Bringing Home 19 Medals

by | Apr 21, 2026 | Ta'aloga

SUVA, FIJI — Independent Boxing Samoa (IBS) has delivered a masterclass at the Pacific Nations Cup in Suva, Fiji, returning home with an astonishing haul of 12 gold and 7 silver medals.

The collective performance at the highly competitive regional tournament establishes Team Samoa as formidable talent across both youth and elite age divisions.

Following Samoa’s historic success last month at the Youth World Cup in Thailand—where the team won a Gold and Silver medal—this performance in Fiji over the weekend is a true testament to the development of world-class boxers at IBS.

The medal haul is the direct result of a gruelling, weeks-long training camp with intense skills and conditioning regimes. Equally important to their physical preparation was the team’s strong spiritual foundation. Faith remains central to the entire squad.

The preparation was overseen by president, Tavu’i Mike Lemisio alongside head trainer and boxing legend, Faumuina To’aletai David Tua. Having a heavyweight icon like Tua leading the charge provided the team with world-class technical insights and the fighting spirit needed to dominate on the international stage.

The leadership team was further bolstered by a dedicated management and assistant coaching staff, which included Kelemete Vui, Tagaloa Rudy Roebeck, and Leuatea James Schmidt. Their combined efforts ensured the team was finely tuned and highly motivated.

“Despite our limited resources, IBS strives to provide our young fighters the international pathways they deserve,” said IBS President, Tavu’i Mike Lemisio.
“We could only send a small team of four boys and one girl to the Youth World Cup last month, but we hope to one day field a full team covering all weight classes and genders for all world events. With the help of the government and local businesses, and faith in God, we are working towards giving our athletes the opportunities they work so hard for.”

Elite Age Squad

  • Saliuafi Tuautu (75kg): Team captain led by example, dominating his division to win 2 Gold medals
  • Jolando Ta’ala (90+kg): Won 1 Gold medal and received Best Male Boxer trophy
  • Ioane Ioane (60kg): Secured 1 Gold and 1 Silver medal, defeating the Papua New Guinea champion
  • Darius Poulava (80kg): Claimed 1 Gold and 1 Silver medal
  • Luke Schwalger (85kg): Won 1 Gold and 1 Silver medal

Youth Squad

  • Alavine Sasa (60kg): Captured 2 Gold medals, beating the Fijian No. 1
  • Anthony Lama-Roebeck (65kg): Won 2 Gold medals
  • Mike Vui (70kg): Earned 1 Gold and 1 Silver medal
  • Wells Matua (80kg): Claimed 1 Gold medal, defeating the Fijian champion
  • Polu Ta’avao (85kg): Won 1 Silver medal
  • Tasi Saufoi (90kg): Won 1 Silver medal

With two successful campaigns at the World Boxing Futures Cup and Pacific Nations Cup, IBS now looks forward to hosting:

  • Oceania Boxing Championships
  • International Marist Boxing Event
  • A professional boxing showcase event

The organisation is also preparing Team Samoa for:

  • Commonwealth Games
  • Elite World Cup
  • Youth Olympic Games

Our grassroots training programme and IBS Academy is open to all ages, Monday-Thursday, weekly. Independent Boxing Samoa Inc. is the official national federation and governing body for the sport of boxing in Samoa.

ATA: Supplied.