Rising Samoan Talent Anthony Pati Set For Commonwealth Trials

The South Pacific nation of Samoa has always punched above its weight when it comes to producing world-class boxers.

David Tua, Maselino Masoe, Joseph Parker and Jai Opetaia are just a few notable names who were either born in Samoa or are of Samoan heritage to have graced the global stage.

This week, the island nation’s capital city of Apia will play host to the next generation of talent with the 2026 Commonwealth Games trials set to get underway.

Anthony Pati is one young fighter who will be arriving in the city with dreams of securing his spot for Glasgow 2026. Joining Pati in Samoa will be his younger brother Douglas Pati and Joel Ioeluby, all three promising fighters are stablemates at Pitbull Boxing.

The South Auckland-based seventeen-year-old’s heavyweight record stands at 16-0, and he is excited about the prospect of taking the next step in his career by earning a slot on the Samoan Commonwealth Games team.

“It’s a big opportunity for me, and this is something my dad couldn’t participate in, and I am going to finish off his legacy,” Pati says, speaking to Boxing Daily.

Pati’s father and founder of Pitbull boxing, Junior Pati, was born in Motootua, Samoa, and is a well-known figure in the New Zealand boxing scene. Junior has shared the ring with the likes of former heavyweight world champion Lucas Browne and former world-ranked heavyweight Junior Fa.

The man dubbed “Red Eye Pitbull” earned a reputation as a boxer always willing to step into the ring and take on all challengers, a trait his son shares with him.

Junior has been in his son’s corner since he first laced his gloves, guiding him and sharing his knowledge. For a young fighter, having a father who understands the ins and outs of the boxing world is an invaluable asset. Junior has already helped his son secure key sponsorship deals with Game Changer and Mata, which will help him compete abroad.

“I enjoy this sport because it runs through my bloodline. It’s a big thing for me having my dad in my corner as my coach because he already knows a lot about this sport,” Pati explains.

Pati, who has one amateur title under his belt is already getting international attention from scouts and promoters. However, rather than rush into signing promotional contracts, the immediate focus is on developing his skills and making the Samoan Commonwealth Games team.

Pati is still in the early stages of his career, but the journey ahead could soon see him generating plenty of headlines.