Boxing

Burglar picks wrong home after entering former Samoan heavyweight boxing, rugby star's property

Former Samoan international rugby and boxing star Lio Falaniko was sitting at his Perth home in his underwear on December 28 when the bizarre incident unfolded.

Falaniko was pondering what Netflix movie to watch when the burglar brazenly walked through his front door and into the hallway towards the kitchen in the middle of the afternoon.

The 51-year-old, who has 10 professional heavyweight boxing wins to his name, told Perth Now how the incident unfolded.

"I'd just got home from the shops and the dude just walked straight into my house.

Sonny Bill Williams reveals plan to train with Tyson Fury, Joe Parker for Barry Hall fight

Williams and Hall confirmed the fight on Thursday, pitting the 36-year-old former All Blacks and Roosters star against the 44-year-old Sydney Swans icon.

Hall went down in AFL infamy for knocking out a rival player with a sickening punch in 2008, and fought out a draw with league star-turned-boxer Paul Gallen in 2019.

Williams said his return to the ring was to scratch his last sporting itch, and will soon depart north to work with Parker and Fury as he tries to finish his sporting career with a successful chapter in the fight game.

Sonny Bill Williams reveals two-year 'process' that includes a Paul Gallen superfight

The two retired NRL premiership stars have been on a collision course to square off in the ring ever since Gallen made his debut with the gloves in 2012, and football fans begged for the bout to happen.

Williams has since been accused of dodging Gallen, and last year the latter conceded the cross-code event that was little chance of happening.

Williams had his first fight in 2009 and has only had eight in total, although has won every one of those.

In June he had his first fight in six years, defeating Waikato Falefehi by unanimous decision.

YouTuber-turned-boxer wins by split decision

The YouTuber-turned-boxer, 24, was rocked by a solid right hand which sent him into the ropes from former UFC champion Woodley, 39, in the fourth round.

But Paul, who had had won his previous four fights within two rounds, won 77-75, 75-77, 78-74 on the scorecards.

On the undercard, British heavyweight Daniel Dubois made easy work of Joe Cusumano with a first round technical knockout victory after sending his opponent to the canvas three times.

And Tommy Fury's hopes of fighting Paul were boosted by a win over US newcomer Anthony Taylor, Paul's sparring partner.

Samoa’s Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali confident of returning in 2024 Olympics

Ato who lost to a Belarus fighter in the Tokyo Olympics is not wasting any time.

He has now shifted his focus on to the next Commonwealth Games.

"I have unfinished business at the Commonwealth Games next year and God willing at the Paris Olympic Games in 3 years. I'll be back."

Ato lost to Uladzislau Smiahlikau in his first appearance in the men’s heavyweight division at the Tokyo Olympics.

Despite the loss, he has remained positive, working on areas that need improvement.

Samoan boxer Marion Faustino Ah Tong loses to Zambia

The 21-year-old was eliminated by points 5-0 against his quicker opponent.

Marion thanked everyone who have supported him in his journey to the Tokyo Olympics.

"Thank you to family, friends, partners, and the whole of Samoa for your support for our son Tino. Unfortunately Tino got eliminated last night by points after his preliminary fight against the Zambian champion," he posted on Facebook.

Marion will return to Australia when he resides with his family after the Tokyo Olympics is done.

Anthony Mundine apologises for multiple offensive comments as boxing career ends

The controversial figure “sincerely” apologised to those he had offended during his career as he officially announced his retirement during a press conference in Sydney on Wednesday.

“If I offended anybody in my career, honestly, I am sincerely sorry,” Mundine said.

“I hope you find it in your hearts to forgive me. I am a changed man. I am a different type of cat; as you get older you get more mellow.”

The 45-year-old also addressed one of his most controversial remarks, made shortly after the September 11 terrorist attacks.

SBW hangs up boots and laces up gloves

The 35 Williams has told Nine News in Sydney that he now wants to focus on becoming a world champion boxer.

Williams finishes his NRL career having played 123 first grade games between the Bulldogs and Roosters, with premiership wins at both clubs in 2004 and 2013.

He will however continue to be involved with the Roosters in a mentoring role.

Williams played 58 times for the All Blacks.

Ex-heavyweight champion who shocked Muhammad Ali dies aged 67

The American achieved a famous upset win over Muhammad Ali in 1978, in just his eighth professional fight.

He had suffered with health issues in his later years and was diagnosed with advanced stage prostate cancer in 2019.

"His final fight was fought with the same skill, grace and grit that had carried him through so many lifetime challenges," said a statement from his management company.

The former US marine died on Friday evening in Henderson, Nevada, with his wife Brenda Glur Spinks by his side.

Parker hungry for world titles

Parker continued his revival by stopping Shawndell Winters in February to extend his winning streak to three fights.

The New Zealander has no idea when his next bout will be due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the former WBO champion revealed quarantine life has further fuelled his determination to rise to the top.

He told Stats Perform: "Time off like this is really important. It's not something that we choose to happen, but I guess everyone can use this time to reflect on our lives and think about what makes us happy and what we want to do.