Adaptive Boxer finds solace and inspiration from the sea

When boxer John "Boulder Shoulders" Fiu needs a break from the challenges of life, he finds solace on the beach, listening to the waves.

Fiu is an adaptive boxer from the Samoan villages of Salelologa and Faleatiu.

Faleatiu is also the village of famous boxer David Tua.

Adaptive boxers fight from wheelchairs, on a floor-level ring.

Since Covid 19, Faleatiu, 35, has endured numerous setbacks, including the postponement of his upcoming November bout, which was originally scheduled for October.

Fiu says he also endures hateful social media messages.

But they give him the strength and motivation to train harder.

“I've lost count of all the negative and hate messages because of me and my disabled community. Because of my fights,” he says.

The boxer also finds solace in sitting on the beach, enveloped in the peace that the waves bring.

Going into this November fight, he has won all 18 of his bouts.

He is currently training six times a week with two days off.

Ten of his past fights were won by TKO, and he is confident his next fight will be his eleventh.

“It's going to be a TKO."

If he wins, he will take his title back to Faleatiu in Samoa.

“I want to be the first ever New Zealand Adaptive wheelchair boxing champion.” Fiu says.

He also wants to see the sport included in the 2024 Paralympics.

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