American Samoa professional heavyweight boxer, Alapati ‘Heat Man’ Aasa barely broke a sweat last Saturday night at the American Samoa Professional Boxing Association Fight  Night held at the Samoa Sports Center (formerly the Bowling Alley) in Tafuna.

Aasa was able to keep his undefeated streak alive with a first round knock-out against his Fijian opponent, Sefania Vakacegu. The knock-out, which came at the 2 minute and 31 second mark of the first round, moved the Heat Man’s record up to 7 wins, 0 loses with five knock-outs. From the moment the bell rang to start the fight, the game Fijian was prepared for a war and stood toe-to-toe with the Heat Man, with each pugilist landing punches fast and hard.

When two heavyweights go toe-to-toe in this manner, look for the fight to end with a knock-out early in the fight.

Midway through the first round, Vakacegu backed himself up and was forced to fight off the ropes, which fortunately played in favor of Aasa. Even though the Heat Man threw fewer punches, he was able to keep the Fijian on the ropes throwing hard body shots which he is known for, causing Vakacegu to slump over and through the middle ring ropes from the punishing shots, ending the fight.

In a pre-fight interview last week, Vakacegu’s camp stated that they were taken aback by Aasa’s humbleness and stated, in speaking about humble fighters, “those are the most dangerous fighters.”

Aasa said that he would like to thank his opponent Vakacegu for accepting the challenge. “I know that Sefania tried his very best and I thank him for that,” said Aasa. He also stated that he would like to thank his trainer and coach Toleafoa Henry Tavake for believing in him and his abilities and he thanked the fans and supporters who cheered him on Saturday.

There is no word yet from the Heat Man’s camp on who his next opponent will be.

According to Fiji media, www.fijitimes.com has the Director of Fiji Boxing, Commissioner Malakai Veisamasama saying, “I think the Pacific has a new David Tua in Aasa.” He also stated, “We felt at home with the Fijian supporters here in Pago Pago. We thank them for their support and hopefully this is a start of a long lasting relationship with the Samoan boxers. We are looking forward to hosting Samoan boxers in Fiji in the future.” According to the website, Vakacegu who is normally a Cruiser-weight (up to 200lbs), stepped up to fight in the Heavyweight division (200lbs and up) for the very first time.

In the semi main event of the night, it was American Samoa’s Henry Tupa’i Wells aka ‘Bad News’ battling it out with Falani Tavu’i of Apia, Samoa in a Heavyweight bout. Tavu’i, before turning pro, was the 2007 and 2008 Oceania Heavyweight champion, which earned him a spot to compete in the 2008 Olympics. Tavu’i had to use that experience to defeat the much bigger and stronger Wells. Tavu’i pulled out a Split Decision win over Bad News in a fight that could have gone either way. Tavu’i did just enough while using his quickness to keep the big hits from Wells at bay squeaking him out the victory.

There were the amateur bouts on the card Saturday as well, as Samoa brought with them some of their rising amateur stars.

Results of the Amateur bouts:

1) Vaeluaga So’oalo (Am. Sam.) def. Alasana Fola (Am. Sam.) 119lbs Bantamweight

2) Ami Sinoti (Am. Sam.) def. Paofe Sasa (Am. Sam.) 112lbs Flyweight

3) Keach Tanoa (Am. Sam.) def. Don Tauta (Am. Sam.) 132lbs Lightweight

4) Seanoa Hall (Samoa) def. Mamona Tafa (Am. Sam.) 106lbs Light Flyweight

5) Sili Leui (Am. Sam.) def. Tafua Isitolo (Samoa) 119lbs Bantamweight

6) Sefo Folesi (Samoa) def. Pepe Ah-Heni (Am. Sam.) 141lbs Light Welterweight

7) Ropati Hall (Samoa) def. Don Tauta (Am. Sam.) 132lbs Lightweight

8) George Tanoa (Am. Sam. def. Aviti Tinumaivao (Sam.) 178lbs Light Heavyweight

9) Paofe Seeti (Am. Sam.) def. Ione Paulo (Sam.) 178lbs Light Heavyweight

10) Petelo Matagi (Sam.) def.Riley Tuala (Am. Sam.) 200lbs. Heavyweight