Samoan Boxer

The Samoan Auckland resident, who goes by the boxing nickname Boulder Shoulders due to his powerful physique, hopes this upcoming event is one more step towards his goal of competing internationally. 

PMN News reports the sport of adaptive boxing or wheelchair boxing is set in a floor ring rather than on a raised platform and while not yet a Paralympic sport, has grown in popularity overseas​.

The 19-year-old connected with a monster left hand during the second round as he swept the Commonwealth Games bronze medallist 5-0 to claim victory in Amman by unanimous decision.

The Pacific Games gold medallist told the Olympic Channel that he felt amazing after winning his first international fight.

"It was really good...thanks to all my family and friends for supporting me, thank you for the prayers," he said.

"I got a good win tonight - I loved my performance - but I will try my best for my next fight."

The Sydney-based fighter rose to prominence by winning a silver medal at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and gold at last year's Pacific Games in Samoa.

He was among up to 10 Samoan boxers intending to travel to the Olympic qualifying tournament last month in Wuhan, China, which was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The event will now be held in Jordan from 3-11 March and Plodzicki-Faoagali, 20, said it has forced him to reassess his preparation.

Masoe will fight at Commonwealth Games level for the first time on the Gold Coast in the coming days.

Having narrowly missed selection in the New Zealand team, he was offered the chance to fight for the land where his parents were born.

Like Parker, who at the weekend lost his world heavyweight title to Britain's Anthony Joshua, 22-year-old Masoe is a proud Kiwi-Samoan, and says he has been inspired by his more famous countryman's efforts on the global stage.

Parker is undefeated in his 21 professional fights and he says the last time he felt like he had a truly great performance was against Brazilian Iri-neu Costa almost two years ago.