Boxing: Delivering a punch for us all

By CHRIS RATTUE

Kingsize Auckland boxer Star Tauasi felt like he was representing most of the Commonwealth, rather than just tiny Niue Island, after knocking over an Australian at the Games.

But while others found special significance in his win over Queenslander David Turner, Tauasi said the real victory was just getting to Manchester.

Tauasi, part of Niue's first Games team, sent Turner sprawling twice in round two of the superheavyweight (91kg-plus) bout.

His parents and a brother and sister were among those who watched the fight on television on Niue Island, where the population of 2000 is less than half that of the athletes' village.

The 27-year-old, who moved to Auckland eight years ago, will win his country's first medal if he deals to impressive Englishman David Dolan on Wednesday.

But Tauasi's taming of a sports superpower brought him instant star-status at a market yesterday.

"People on the street came up and said, 'You knocked him down for me'," said the smiling store supervisor, who lives in Mangere with partner Genevieve and four-year-old daughter Tayler.

"There's a feeling of, it's the rest against Australia. A few people said, 'Good job - you dealt to that Aussie.'

"But he was just here to do his best and I was doing my best.

"I had a bad record against Australians, so I wanted to get the monkey off my back.

"I wasn't too worried being behind [on points]. I thought I could knock him out - you get that feeling in the back of your head.

"I got in some shots - not good shots - but he didn't seem to be comfortable with them. I knew it was just a matter of time."

Tauasi sent the triple Australian champion down with roundhouse rights that turned Turner into the subject rather than perpetrator of his nickname, "Demolition."

The referee ended the fight as Tauasi whooped with delight.

He plans to turn professional after the Games.

Tauasi's win was tinged with sadness because the man who had guided him into boxing, Brij Sain, died a month ago.

Tauasi turned up at Sain's South Auckland gym five years ago to do weight work after injuring a knee playing league for Mt Wellington.

After winning most of 15 fights and competing at the Oceania championships in Taupo this year, the 115kg Tauasi - trimmed down from 139kg - was set for the Games. But there were financial hurdles.

He, manager Eddie Manuela and new coach Lape Tulisi needed another $15,000.

"We ran raffles, got sponsorship, and went to family and friends with our hands out," said Tauasi.

"There was a time when I thought we weren't going to make it and I said if the worst comes to worst, I'll pull out.

"I'm very grateful for the support ... just getting here is the victory."

Full coverage:
nzherald.co.nz/manchester2002

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