The tribute to who was described as a “proud Samoan man” involved a group of Samoan singers complementing a photo montage of Fiu’s life, so much of which he gave to boxing, as photos of him in gyms and with Joseph Parker (another of Samoan descent), Tyson Fury, Ryan Garcia, Ben Whittaker, Moses Itauma and more again showed. Footage of Tasman’s Mick Francis and Opetaia speaking about him at his recent memorial followed, and showed the charisma and humour with which Opetaia, so often so intense during fight weeks, is capable of speaking to an audience when not on the eve of a fight. There was then a dancing tribute from the King Siva Academy, Huni and Francis presenting wreaths of red flowers to those of the Fiu family who were present, the boxing tradition of the 12 bells and then, finally, another song from a group of Samoan drummers. Had it not all been so moving to observe, the cultural influences being witnessed would have been something about which to feel charmed.
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