Four years ago we met former bouncer Philip Tele’a as he embarked on a life-saving journey to shed weight from his 280 kg frame with the help of the Brown Buttabean Motivation group.
“It was hard being in and out of hospital and getting a wake up call from one of the doctors,” says Phil.
“I came out and that’s when I gave Dave Letele a call. He just told me to turn up, so that’s what I did. Just kept turning up.”
Fast-forward to 2021, and Phil’s over a hundred kilos lighter and training to fight on the undercard of the upcoming Junior Fa vs Joseph Parker fight.
Phil says he’s fighting for “Mum, everyone that’s supported me on my journey, and for myself really.”
“Whatever the result, I know that when I get in that ring, I want to leave everything in that ring.”
Supporting him all the way is his BBM family, especially his trainer, John “The Rebel” Conway.
“I’m very proud. Phil’s success in boxing means to me as much as any other title fighter I’ve had or any other professional fighter I’ve had,” says John.
Watch Phil’s story above.
By Soana Aholelei
Philip Tele’a will fight Niro Iuta on the undercard of the Joseph Parker v Junior Fa fight on Saturday 27 February at Spark Arena. Tickets are available here.
