Samoan boxing legend becomes the ABA’s first ever inductee into its inaugural Boxing Hall of Fame.
For many years, Faumuina To’aletai David Tua’s left hook has terrorised opponents and wowed boxing fans from across the world.
His accolades and achievements have already earned him recognition around the world where he has been honoured for his service to the sport.
But of all those honourable mentions, Tua will always think back to the boxing gym and community where he started his career in Auckland.
And last month, he finally got that recognition, as the first ever inductee in the inaugural Auckland Boxing Hall of Fame.
Past and present of the Auckland boxing community crowded the ABA gym in Mt Eden recently, in a ceremony that honoured Tua and his contribution to boxing particularly the Auckland community.
And although the night was all about him, the former heavyweight superstar was hesitant to take all the credit for himself.
“It’s a great honour, it’s a massive privilege. But for me, the credit will always go back to those who paved the way. The pathfinders for the sport here in New Zealand and back in Samoa,” Tua says.
“If it means, through me, that they can be acknowledged, then that’s a good thing. But for me I will never take the credit for it.”
The night was filled with laughter and celebration but mostly a recollection of memories and stories from the past.
For Tua himself, it was a chance to share with some longtime friends on their journeys in both boxing and life.
“Great memories in the ring, but I think it’s the brotherhood, it’s the friendship that you develop over the years with some of the guys that I have shared the ring with. And you become friends for life.
“And for me, I can only hope that by moving away from the sport that I hope that it’s a lot better than when I first started.”
One of those legends who was a role model of his is Alofipo Ali Afakasi who was also at the ceremony.
A commonwealth games representative for New Zealand and a long-time member of Auckland boxing, Afakasi was humbled to be present to honour Tua for his work throughout the years.
“I’m happy I could be here to acknowledge this brother of mine. We need to do more of this. When someone does good, we should uplift them but not bring them down,” Afakasi says.
“He keeps on referring to me as a legend. But I corrected him and told him that we are both legends. But I’m thankful to witness this tonight and it is all possible because of God’s love.”
The ceremony also coincided with Tua’s last few days in New Zealand before moving to Samoa for good. A decision that he simply puts as, “a calling from God”.
“I never really wanted to come to New Zealand because I enjoyed living a typical life as a Samoan kid back home. But Mum and dad had a vision,” he says.
“I was born into a privileged life in Samoa. We had the only car and store in the village. For them they made sure we knew the value of hard work. They realised that if something happens to them. There is no guarantee back home.
“Since my parents passed, I really believed their dream was (for me) to return back home, I am grateful to go back for them.”
While relocating back to his homeland of Samoa, he is grateful for what the sport has given to him and his family.
“You know people often ask me, you must miss it. I said nope,” he laughs.
“In life, there’s seasons, and different journeys in life, and where I am at today, I’m very content with my life. I guess for me most importantly, what God has done in my life.”
