Tongan boxer Uaine (Junior) Fa won his WBO heavyweight fight in just three rounds on Saturday night.
Fa, who was taller and heavier than his opponent, gave Argentine boxer Pablo Magrini only the second loss in 20 fights.
Fa had a much longer reach than Magrini and Magrini tried to avoid his punches.
Fa, who returned to the ring this year, had a successful career as an amateur, but has been trying to find a promoter to take him on and give his professional career a boost.
The Tongan’s victory came on an evening of major triumph for Pacific Islands sports at Auckland’s Vector arena.
Joseph Parker, a New Zealand boxer of Samoan heritage, became the WBO heavyweight champion of the world on the same night, defeating Mexican opponent Andy Ruiz.
It was his 22nd victory in the ring.
Fa beat Parker in 2012, in a qualifying amateur boxing competition for the London Olympics.
But last night he posted a message of congratulations to Parker on his Facebook page, saying: “Congrats to Parker!! I scored it the same. Well done.”
Although New Zealand born and raised, Fa has represented Tonga internationally, winning a bronze medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India.
Fa’s father is from Ha’alaufuli in Vava’u while his mother is from Matangiake in Tongatapu.
Parker turned professional in 2012. Fa stayed an amateur and then retired to raise a family before making his comeback as a professional.
The main points
- Tongan boxer Uaine (Junior) Fa won his WBO heavyweight fight in just three rounds on Saturday night.
- Fa, who was taller and heavier than his opponent, gave opponent Pablo Magrini only the second loss in 20 fights.
- The Tongan’s victory came on an evening of major triumph for Pacific Islands sports at Auckland’s Vector arena.
- Joseph Parker, a New Zealand boxer of Samoan heritage, became the WBO heavyweight champion of the world on the same night, defeating Mexican opponent Andy Ruiz.
For more information
Joseph Parker wins WBO world heavyweight title in tight battle over Andy Ruiz
