Heavyweight boxer, Cook Islander Teremoana Junior Teremoana is fighting for a spot in the Australian team at the 2023 Boxing National Championships/Pacific Games Qualifiers being held in Perth, Australia.

Being of Cook Islands Pukapuka and Australian descent, Teremoana is currently proudly representing Australia. However, he has previously said that his ultimate goal is to one day represent the Cook Islands on the international stage.

Teremoana will be representing Queensland in the Australian Pacific Games Qualifiers. His first fight was scheduled for yesterday.

In between his intense training regime, he has made time to touch base with members of the Pukapuka (Wale) community in the Gold Coast/Brisbane.

He was invited by Jimmy Nio Teopenga to meet with members of Wale for lunch at Kai Malie’s Kitchen in Brisbane, which serves wholesome island cuisine.

Heavyweight boxer Teremoana Jr Teremoana is pleased to have support from his Cook Islands Pukapuka family in Brisbane, Australia. 23080901

Teremoana has also met with Papa Nuku Rapana from Aotearoa New Zealand to discuss community, family and the sport of boxing, supported by by Papa Maara Timoti, president of the Pukapuka Community of Queensland Inc and Mama June Timoti.

He has expressed his gratitude to Wale in a social media post: “I’m extremely grateful and blessed to have had the privilege of meeting with the leaders of the Pukapukan communities.”

“As all my friends and family know, I strive to not only make the wins in each fight, but to also bring glory and prestige to my Cook Islands people.

“What a blessing and honour to have my fellow Pukapukan community in my corner.

“Atawai wolo for all the supportive messages … and special thanks to the Pukapukan Community for supporting me in the lead up to these fights and I am grateful to have my islands support.”