Apia, SAMOA — One of Samoa’s TV stations has partnered up with Digital to bring the much anticipated Parker fight live to Samoa on December 10, 2016. Undefeated Joseph Parker has four wins in 2016 and is now preparing for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Heavy Weight Championship held in New Zealand. 

“TV3 has been an avid supporter and exclusive broadcaster of boxing sport in Samoa since its establishment 10 years ago. Most if not all boxing tourneys by some well-known Samoan sons, David Tua and now Joseph Parker have been viewed around the country through TV3 due to a long standing partnership with Duco Events,” said Hans Joachim Keil, Managing Director TV3.

He noted Digicel is the sponsor of TV3’s exclusive broadcast of the Parker Fight and reassured that all efforts have been made by TV3 towards full coverage of its transmission around the island for viewers. During a recent press conference, Rory Condon, CEO of Digicel Samoa, stated, “Joseph embodies Samoan values of hard work, respect and family. These are the values that Digicel shares. He has gone from strength to strength since Rumble in Paradise and we are proud to be associated with him since the launch of LTE. What a way to celebrate our 10th anniversary in Samoa.” He said that Digicel has worked closely with TV3 to extend coverage in rural areas so that as many homes as possible could tune in to watch the fight.

PM COMMENTS ON DAMIAN McGRATH LAWSUIT

Apia, SAMOA — Samoa’s Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi welcomes the lawsuit filed by former Manu Samoa Seven’s coach Damien McGrath. Last month, during the civil mention, it was revealed that a civil case had been filed against the Samoa Rugby Union for wrongful dismissal and defamation and he’s asking $1million tala for damages. Sarona Ponifasio is representing McGrath and the case had since been postponed. The former Manu Samoa sevens coach was sacked after attempts failed to qualify Samoa for the Olympic games.

Tuilaepa told Samoa News one of the reason’s he was hired was so Samoa could qualify for the Olympics but Samoa didn’t make it so “he’s got no purpose here.” The Prime Minster did not mince words and stated, “no stupid (rugby) union will bring someone to spend vacation here, there’s a reason why he came.”

McGrath took up a coaching job in Canada in August. McGrath said on his Facebook page post that the Samoa Rugby Union (SRU) still hasn’t given reasons for his termination. “Unfortunately I have still been given no reason for the termination of my contract so the matter is in the hands of a solicitor. Until now I have made no comment on the matter publicly despite the SRU’s frequent utterings in the press.” McGrath also referenced allegations of an “outburst” by Samoa’s Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.

“However after the latest outburst by the Prime Minister I feel I must defend myself and my reputation and to this end I have released a detailed statement to the press.”