Sāmoa wins historic gold at World Boxing Future Cup in Bangkok

Sāmoa has made history at the World Boxing Future Cup Championships 2026 in Thailand, winning its first-ever gold medal at the tournament thanks to Kealey Perez.

Perez, 15, secured the gold in the women's 80kg division after defeating Tuvalu’s Francis Taafaki in an all-Oceania final on Saturday.

Her victory was backed by a bronze medal from team-mate Anthony Pati in the men’s 90kg division.

Fellow Sāmoan fighter Johnsal Semi narrowly missed advancing after a split decision.

Team Sāmoa head coach Vitale Perez, Kealey's father, said the results reflected months of hard work and strong team unity.

Speaking on Pacific Huddle ahead of the finals, Perez said he was grateful for the opportunity to lead the Sāmoan team at the international tournament.

Sāmoa boxing team coach Vitale Perez, left, with his gold-winning daughter Kealey Perez. Photo/Sāmoa Boxing.

“I’m pleased to have this opportunity. I’m really glad that I had a friend back in New Zealand reach out to see if I could help out.”

Peerz said the opportunity came through Sāmoa Boxing leadership.

“Mike, the president from Sāmoa, gifted me with this role and I’m just having a good time and trying to get the goal for our country.”

Watch the finals bout between Perez and Taafaki on Facebook below.

Perez previously coached in New Zealand and runs a boxing gym in the central North Island town of Taumarunui, where he has worked with young fighters for more than a decade.

He has also been involved with New Zealand boxing development programmes and travelled internationally with youth teams.

Perez said one highlight came two years ago when he travelled with the New Zealand Under-19 team to the world championships in Colorado.

“We came back with three bronze medals and that’s the best New Zealand’s ever done,” he said.

One of those medals was won by his daughter, Kealy, who would go on to create history for Sāmoa in Thailand.

Youth U19 Team Samoa, left to right, Johnsal Semi, Douglas Pati, Kealey Perez, Anthony Pati, Daniel Alofipo. Photo/Sāmoa Boxing.

Perez said he arrived at the tournament well prepared for the level of competition.

“I knew what we were coming up against. I’d done my study and I’ve been in this realm for quite a few years,” he said.

He said building a strong connection within the team before travelling to Thailand was important and praised the wider coaching and management staff supporting the fighters.

“The coaching and management we’ve got here is top-notch,” he said.

He highlighted support from team managers Benji Tupuola and Faigali Vaughn from Brisbane, assistant coach Junior Pati from New Zealand, and officials from Sāmoa Boxing.

Listen to the full interview coach Vitale Perez on Facebook below.

“We’re all here for our kids and we’re all on the same level.”

Perez said his journey into coaching came from being a fighter and practising martial arts.

“Just having father figures in kickboxing, karate and boxing — people that cared for you,” he said. “I guess I’m just giving back. Those people kept me off the streets.”

He also credited several mentors who helped shape him as a coach, including Martin Stirling from Petone and Australian-based boxing coach Alani Moala.

Sāmoan bronze medallist Anthony Pati, from left, with Sāmoa Boxing Federation Vice-President Papalii Tuna Tusiata, and gold medallist Kealey Perez. Photo/Sāmoa Boxing.

Perez said international tournaments like the Future Cup are important for developing young fighters and proving Sāmoa can compete against stronger boxing nations.

“Our team can beat these people. They’ve just got to put their skills and ability together on the day.”

The historic gold marks a major milestone for Sāmoa boxing and adds to growing Pacific success in international combat sports.