Taafaki Boxing

✨A month ago now Taafaki Boxing was representing TUVALU at the Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026.
Can’t let go of it too soon and here are a few highlight of Tarona and Pasoni Taafaki’s bouts and Coach Badi Taafaki 🌎

🥊Tarona Taafaki (20 y.o) stood toe-to-toe against a veteran opponent with over 200+ Olympian, Worl Boxing, National and Commonwealth medalist compared to Tarona’s two Novice fights. Despite the vast disparity in experience, Tarona put up a fantastic fight, showcasing determination, courage, and growth as an athlete. Anything could have happened in the ring, and Tarona’s first international performance proved that she deserved her place on the podium, no doubt 🥉

🥊Pasoni Taafaki (18 y.o) up against another experienced international 33 year old veteran. Pasoni put up a strong dominant performance, fought with fire and demonstrating a composure that belied their years in the sport. Pasoni absorbed a wealth of lessons that will undoubtedly contribute to his development as an athlete and future success 🌱

Through their actions, Tarona and Pasoni not only represented themselves, but also the aspirations and pride of their nation 🇹🇻

🙌🏾 With heartfelt appreciation and our deepest gratitude to everyone who has offered their time, wisdom, support, and donations throughout this journey. Your unwavering belief and generosity have been pivotal in making these achievements a success.

Tuvalu Mote Atua ❤️‍🔥 In God We Trust

📸 A few moments behind the scenes, and memories from the month leading into Glasgow. An enlightening journey of preparation, sacrifice, uncertainty, and belief, as Tarona Taafaki and Pasoni Taafaki prepared to represent Tuvalu on their first major international stage 🌎✨

🌱 We had a massive blast forming new friendships with coaches from all over the world and getting closer to our oceania boxing family. Glasgow was profoundly instructive. Its lessons reach far beyond the ring, compounding in value with time, and shaping the perspective, discipline, and direction with which we move forward. So incredibly grateful for this eye opening experience and thankful for having the unwavering support from all our family and friends who contributed to fruitful successes of this championship from sparring, training, wisdom, donations and fundraising.

We are truly blessed and this is just the beginning of greatness

Thank you to Nape Cavanagh Saumanaia for composing the song honouring the elite men and women athletes of Tuvalu.

Tuvalu Mote Atua ❤️‍🔥 In God We Trust

🔥 Super proud of our beautiful wahine Tarona Taafaki 🇹🇻 at 20 years old and everything she has accomplished in this short 1.5 years she has taken boxing on full time. Tarona’s third fight EVER, Tarona’s first international competition and Tuvalu’s first ever medal at the Commonwealth Games. Against a 29 year old Indian veteran (200+ fights) who has multiple time medalist at the Olympics, World Championships, Asian Games and Asian Championships. It definitely wasn’t an easy ride but her hunger, her discipline, her determination has won Tuvalu’s first medal, a bronze 🙌🏾 Thank you to everyone’s support and love at home and at the games, you all really make the boxers feel backed and strong especially where we are the underdogs. The best is yet to come because this is literally only the start and we can’t wait!

Tuvalu Mote Atua ❤️‍🔥 In God We Trust

Super excited to watch team Tuvalu early this morning 🇹🇻 Incredibly proud to see our handsome 18 year old flag bearer Pasoni Taafaki and beautiful Tarona Taafaki and 🥹🙌🏾 Coach Badi Taafaki at the back making their grand entrance for the opening ceremony for the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏆