Boxing heats up on day 3

Day three of Boxing at the Sol2023 Pacific Games witnessed intense flare and drama as the competition entered its semis and finals stage at Honiara’s Friendship Hall.

Kicking off Wednesday’s session were the women’s 54kg, 60kg and 75kg bouts.

The 54kg category saw Australia’s Tiana Echegary emerge victorious against New Zealand’s Claire Christina Gillespie after a thrilling battle between the Trans-Tasman national reps.

Also, in the same weight division, Tonga’s Hainite Tuitupou edged out Jennifer Chieng of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) to advance to the next phase of competition.

In the women’s 75kg division, Deanne Shontel Te-Paea of New Zealand booked her place in the final after a hard-fought victory over Samoa’s Lafaialii Tilomai. Australia’s Caitlin Parker also progressed to the finals after seeing off Tonga’s Eseta Flint.

The women’s 60kg division saw impressive wins from Australian Tyla McDonald and New Zealand’s Elizabeth Erin Walsh over their respective opponents, Nansen Baby (Samoa) and Elizabeth Teaupu (Tonga).

Speaking to the Pacific Games News Service after her triumph, Walsh said she was happy with the victory and is now focused on the gold medal fight at hand.

“I went into today’s fight confident! That is the same approach I am taking leading into the finals,” she said.

Meanwhile the men’s division saw hard earned victories to PNG’s Allan Oaika (57kg), Australia’s Charlie Senior (57kg), Tonga’s Viney Roman (80kg), Australia’s Peter Callum (80kg), Samoa’s Plodicki-Faoagali Ato (92kg) and Australia’s Adrian Paoletii (92kg).

Boxing finals continue on Thursday at Friendship Hall. Entry is $30.

By Steven Kamoa and Francis Pituvaka, Pacific Games News Service