The inclusion of Muay Thai kick boxing in the upcoming Samoa Pro Am Fights next Tuesday 23 March at Faleata Gym # 1 has now added a whole new dimension to the popularity of the local tournament.

Muay Thai Samoa fighter Jesse Nilon will take on twenty six year old Sancho Niedo III from American Samoa, while local girl Sophia Rogers will square off with Julliam Muasau of American Samoa.

MTS President, Tipaula Laupue said," This is a first for the sport in Samoa. Especially with our local fighters going up against a team from America Samoa in what promises to be a close encounter."

"We are grateful as an association in being given an opportunity to show case some of our young local talent to the sporting public of Samoa, and extend a huge fa'amalo to Event Polynesia for bringing the different codes of full contact sports under one roof," said Laupue.

According to Teleiai Edwin Puni of Event Polynesia, "Our invitation to include Muay Thai kick boxing in the Samoa Pro Am Fights is a better way forward for both boxing and kick boxing in Samoa."

"Promoting Muay Thai will provide local boxing talent with another opportunity in full contact sports; a similar approach with rugby players also playing rugby league and vice versa."

According to Teleiai, "There is a huge demand to bring back the fa'afafine bouts and corporate bouts that we had in the beginning. However, at the moment we are focusing on the serious side of boxing with the development of elite fighters through tournaments like the Samoa Pro Am Fights."

"The records show that Samoa will always do well in international amateur tournaments in boxing, weightlifting and wrestling. Now combine it with Muay Thai kick boxing and Samoa is on track to deliver to the UFC the ultimate fighting mix martial art athlete."

"I think its time for Event Polynesia to pay Seiuli Paul Wallwork and Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork a visit," added Teleiai.

Since its first promotion in Apia when it staged the Monty Betham Jr's debut bout three years ago, Event Polynesia has consistently provided the much needed boxing tournaments in Apia and Auckland, New Zealand for Samoan and Pacific boxers.

For more information on Samoa Pro Am Fights, visit website www.eventpolynesia.com