From the backyard to the ring: Fa'apito brothers’ journey to boxing stardom

Three young brothers of Niuean and Cook Islands heritage in Australia are determined to shine in the boxing world.

Guided by their parents, Wayne and Adahl, and their coaches at All Star Boxing in Brisbane, Presley, aged 10, Swayzee, aged 12, and Pierson Fa'apito, aged 13, turn their backyard passion into a promising future in the sport.

Their journey begins at home, where dad Wayne - a professional boxer - introduces them to the sport.

“We started training in the backyard,” Pierson says. “Then my dad reached out to one of the coaches from All Star, and we ended up here.”

Wayne’s experience and passion for boxing shape his sons’ careers, providing technical guidance and unwavering support.

For the eldest, Pierson, boxing takes him to incredible heights. In July 2024, he became Australia’s Under 15 Boxing Champion after a hard-fought competition in Perth, where his family supported him throughout.

Just a month later, in August, Pierson is recognised as the Under 15 best boxer at the Golden Gloves Queensland competition, cementing his reputation as one of the state’s most promising young talents.

Pierson’s journey to these achievements hasn’t been easy.

Last year, he competed in the Australian Nationals, enduring a gruelling six-week training camp filled with early morning runs and intense conditioning.

The Fa'apito brothers sparring at the gym. Photo/Provided.

“Before nationals, I had to wake up at 5:30 a.m. for training,” Pierson shares. “We did conditioning, running, and everything to get our strength and stamina up.”

The competition proves challenging. Pierson cuts two kilogrammes in 12 hours to meet the weight for his semi-final fight.

“I was wearing sweat suits and training in the gym for five hours before the fight,” he says. “I couldn’t eat or drink anything, but I made weight and won by split decision.”

His determination pays off and fuels his aspirations to turn pro.

Swayzee, the middle brother, is equally ambitious. He aims to compete in the Olympics and bring home a gold medal.

Pierson (13) following his Under 15 National Championship victory. Photo/Provided.

“I want to go pro, but I also want to go to the Olympics,” he says. “I want to bring a gold medal home.”

Swayzee’s competitive spirit and love for the sport shine through in his training, and he makes a name for himself in local tournaments.

Presley, the youngest at 10, eagerly follows his brothers’ footsteps.

“I want to go pro when I’m older,” he says with a smile.

Though he considers playing footy this year, his family encourages him to focus on boxing for now.

Swayzee (12) pictured after a bout. Photo/Provided.

“We thought we’d give him a full year of boxing and see how he feels,” Adahl explains.

The boys’ parents are their biggest supporters. Adahl admits it’s not always easy to watch her boys get punched.

“It’s nerve-wracking,” she says. “But we want them to be fulfilled and happy. Whatever they choose, we’ll be here to support them.”

With his professional boxing background, Wayne brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to their training. Adahl, of Niuean and Cook Islands descent, emphasises the importance of family in their journey.

“They have a solid ground to bond through boxing,” she says. “They talk about training, sparring, and tournaments - it’s something they share.”

Swayzee (10) during a boxing bout. Photo/Provided.

The brothers’ bond is their secret weapon. They cheer each other on during competitions and push one another in training, giving them a unique edge.

“It’s really good having siblings to train with,” says Pierson. “We help each other improve.”

As they prepare for the Queensland State titles later this year, the Fa'apito brothers remain focussed on their goals.

For other young athletes considering boxing, Swayzee shares this simple message: “Train hard, don’t give up, and keep practising until you perfect it.”

The Fa'apito brothers with their parents Adahl and Wayne. Photo/Provided.

Pierson adds, “If it’s not working, just keep training until it does.”

With their talent, determination, and strong family support, the Fa'apito brothers are on their way to becoming household names in the boxing world.

Follow the Fa'apito brothers’ journey here as they step into the ring and chase their dreams.