We had never seen that at the fenua: a boxing match between a mother and her daughter in an octagon. Polynesian multi-champion, French champion and silver medalist at the 2015 Pacific Games, Edith Tavanae crossed the gloves with her daughter Temeiana, a young boxing hopeful, for a good cause. “Our president had requested that two boxers be present at the memorial for Krystale so we showed up because we had never had the opportunity to box together in exhibition”, explains Edith.
“We wanted to make a good fight, adds Temeiana his daughter. This is the first time that there has been a fight between mother and daughter.”
Another originality: arm wrestling duels … refereed by the reigning French champion of + 110 kg Tauraatea Teua. And there were other surprises still suitable for the octagon: Wrestling, judo, Brazilian jiu jitsu, MMA and even a demonstration of Sambo led by a New Zealand federation. “I’m glad everyone played the game, reacted Bernard Di Rollo, organizing member. The athletes who participated went above the sporting or performance side even if there were good fights. The first idea was to be there on the memorial.”
A very emotional evening. His training partners even offered him a memorial dance.
Krystale’s family appreciated this tribute to this late athlete. “She didn’t really like working out, remembers his mother. But after almost every fight, she came back with a medal.”
Nearly three hours of show between exhibitions and competitions. 14 à la carte fights. Among the expected oppositions, in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Kauai Coquil won against Tearii Helme by decision of the judges. In judo at under 90kg: draw between Maevarau Legayic and New Zealander Vinay Reddy. Headlining, an MMA fight: Erai Watanabe faces another New Zealander Jon Madoc. At 2th round, the neo surprises his opponent by passing him an armbar. Victory for Jon Madoc by submission.
At the end of the evening, the results are positive for the presenters and intend to repeat this meeting for the next few years.
