Mea Motu vs Ellie Scotney: Former AB midfielder Sam Tuitupou to corner Motu in world title unification fight

Sam Tuitupou will be in Mea Motu's corner when she takes on Ellie Scotney in Nottingham. Photo / Photosport

When you enter the “lion’s den” as Mea Motu will on Sunday morning for her world title unification bout against Ellie Scotney in Nottingham, it’s best to have a friend on standby as back-up.

Fortunately, Motu’s trainer Isaac Peach has one of the hardest-hitting All Blacks on speed dial to help out.

Nine-test international Sam Tuitupou’s rugby career saw him win domestic and Super Rugby titles in New Zealand, before embarking on a stint in the United Kingdom – a region he’s called home for the past 16 years.

But the former All Blacks midfielder doesn’t forget his roots. So when the SOS came from his former classmate at Kelston Boys’ High School to be in Motu’s corner, the 42-year-old couldn’t resist turning the offer down.

“We created that brotherhood [at Kelston] and we’ve carried that on through the years. To see the work that he’s been doing in New Zealand has been inspiring,” Tuitupou says of Peach.

“I’m blessed and very grateful for the opportunity.”

Despite entering unfamiliar territory, Peach knew exactly who to reach out to for support.

“I’ve known Sam since he was probably 15 years old. He was in my class at school and we’ve kept in touch.

“He was the first guy I called to get on deck.”

Tuitupou has had a taste of in-ring action, training with Peach for his Fight for Life bout against former Kiwis rugby league international Roy Asotasi in 2023, which ended with the former All Black delivering a vicious knockout, seconds into the contest.

He credits the sport’s toughness compared to rugby union.

“I’m used to having 14 other guys around me to pick me up when I’m down or when I need help, whereas boxing it’s just you and yourself in the ring.

“You’ve got your trainers in between rounds to speak to you, but you’ve got to be a special person to compete.”

It’s not the first time Peach has reached out to Tuitupou to lend a helping hand.

Tuitupou was in the corner of cruiserweight David Light’s WBO world title fight against Lawrence Okolie in Manchester in 2023.

Now it’s Motu’s turn to fight for gold, as she looks to add the WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine titles to hercurrent IBO title.

“To see Kiwis come over here and be in massive fights, it’s good for the country and New Zealand boxing,” Tuitupou says.

Peach says having the heavy hitter around can help ease the pressure of what’s at stake.

“It’s nice having guys like that because they’re funny and relaxed. It keeps the good vibe going and it’s not too serious. A lot of laughter and joking going on.”

Tuitupou has seen the hype and profile around Ellie Scotney build since living in England, but feels Motu is getting short-changed by the British audience.

“I think they’re underestimating the talent that Mea Motu comes in with and that’s good because Mea knows that she’s been working hard and I think everyone in the UK will be shocked.

“For so many years she’s been doing this for other people, but I think she’s got to be selfish and do it for herself and at the end of the night when she becomes champion, it’s going to be awesome.”