Niue Boxer sets out to become the first Niuean to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games after quarter-finals victory in the Birmingham Games

Niue is one of few Pacific Island nations who have yet to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games since its debuting in 2002 at the Manchester Commonwealth Games. 

But the 23-year-old Niue boxer Duken Holo Tutakitoa-Williams may just be the first Niuean in the Commonwealth Games history to bring home a medal. 

Yesterday evening, Williams competed in the quarter-finals for the heavyweight 86 to 92 kg boxing category and he was up against 19-year-old Cook Islands boxer Michael Schuster. But it wasn’t long after in round two when the referee stopped the contest and declared Williams as winner.

According to a recent online article by Inside The Games, Williams opponent Schuster was deemed to be defenseless.”

“I set out to become the first Niuean to win a medal and I’ve got it done,” says Williams in Inside The Games. 

Meanwhile, young Niue boxer Xavier Mata’afa Ikinofo also made it into the quarter-finals after winning his match up against Cameroon boxer Jean Ngah with 5 points to 1. 

However, Ikinofo lost in the quarter-finals match against India boxer Rohit Tokas with 5 points to nil. 

For the lawn bowls team of ten, five men and five women, lawn bowls athlete 14-year-old Tukala “TK” Tagelagi continues to face up to his challenging opponents. 

Earlier today, TK went up against Northern Ireland’s Gary Kelly in the men’s singles but lost 14 points to 21. 

Team Niue’s lawn bowls athletes have not been able to secure a win at the Birmingham Games. 

BCN News will provide more updates on Team Niue as the Birmingham Games progress.