Sam Rapira (boxer)

Sam Rapira (born 2 November 1983) is a New Zealand boxing promoter and professional boxer.

For the rugby league player, see Sam Rapira.
Sam Rapira
BornSamuel Rapira
(1983-11-02) 2 November 1983
New Plymouth, New Zealand
Other namesThe Terror
ResidenceNew Plymouth, New Zealand
Height182 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight79.3 kg (175 lb; 12 st 7 lb)
DivisionLight Heavyweight
Reach183 cm (72.0 in)
StanceOrthodox
TrainerLolo Heimuli
Years active2013–2017
Professional boxing record
Total21
Wins16
By knockout10
Losses5
By knockout3
Draws0
Amateur record
Total70
Wins59
Losses11
Other information
OccupationPromoter and Professional Boxer
Notable relativesSam Rapira (Cousins)
Websitewww.rapiraboxing.co.nz
Boxing record from BoxRec
Medal record
Men's amateur boxing
Representing  New Zealand
Arafura Games
Silver medal – second place 2011 Darwin Light-heavyweight
Last updated on: 28 January 2017

Rapira had a very well credentialed amateur career, fighting 70 fights before turning pro.[1] Rapira was his own promoter, promoting every fight he has had in New Plymouth.[2]

Amateur career

Rapira has fought in seventy amateur boxing bouts, fighting local stars like Reece Papuni and Gunnar Jackson, Australian Damien Hooper, and German Champion, Enrice Koelling. Rapira biggest win was at the 2011 Arafura Games where he won the silver medal in the 81 kg division.[3] The biggest upset of the tournament was when Rapira defeated world ranked number one at the time Vijender Singh. Sam Rapira was the captain of the New Zealand Boxing team, which went on to win five Golds and three Silvers.[4]

Professional career

New Zealand dream fights, international fights 2016

In July 2016, Rapira Announced that he will be self promoting his 8th show with Rapira taking on Robert Berridge in the main event. This is one of New Zealand's most talked about dream fight in the light heavyweight weight division. The bout took place at TSB Stadium in September 2016.[5] Berridge won the bout by unanimous decision.[6] After the bout Berridge commented on how poor referee David Craig (who is also President of New Zealand National Boxing Federation) officiated the fight, with the lack of control and not stepping in when there was too much holding or wrestling.[7] On 29 October 2016, it was announced that Rapira would face Ryan Ford on 17 February 2017 for the Vacant UBO World Light Heavyweight Championship.[8][9] He lost the fight via TKO in the ninth round.[10]

Retirement 2017 - 2018

On 5 April 2017, Rapira announced his retirement fight which will take place on 26 May against undefeated boxer, Tipene Maniapoto.[11] Rapira final undercard will include the debut of Tania Reid going up against Wendy Talbot and Taranaki's Simon Jullen going against Taihiti's Tautu Brillant.[12] A few days before the bout, Rapira announce that the fight was upgraded to a title bout for the PABA title.[13] Rapira won the bout by Unanimous Decision with Maniapoto being knocked down multiple times throughout the bout.[14] On 19th of May 2018, Rapria made his return to the ring to take on Ratu Dawai for the New Zealand National (PBCNZ version) Light Heavyweight title.[15] Rapira lost the fight by TKO when his trainer threw in the towel in round seven, ending the career for Rapira.[16] Since retiring from the ring, Rapira remains an active promoter, putting on regular boxing events throughout the year.[17][18]

Health problems after boxing

Since retiring from boxing, Rapira has been diagnosed with Dementia Pugilistica also known as Chronic traumatic encephalopathy.[19] He stated he started feeling the CTE symptoms before his last fight in 2018. Rapira is urging people taking part in combat sports to use the best protective equipment available.[20]

Championships

Professional boxing record
21 fights 16 wins 5 losses
By knockout 10 3
By decision 6 2
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
21 Lose 16–5 New Zealand Ratu Dawai TKO 7 (10), 1:18 19 May 2018 New Zealand TSB Stadium, New Plymouth, New Zealand Vacant New Zealand National (PBCNZ version) Light Heavyweight Title
20 Win 16–4 New Zealand Tipene Maniapoto UD 10 26 May 2017 New Zealand TSB Stadium, New Plymouth, New Zealand Won Vacant PABA Light Heavyweight Title
19 Loss 15–4 Canada Ryan Ford TKO 9 (12), 2:09 17 February 2017 Singapore Foochow Building, Singapore For Vacant UBO World Light Heavyweight Title
18 Lose 15–3 New Zealand Robert Berridge[24] UD 8 16 September 2016 New Zealand TSB Stadium, New Plymouth, New Zealand
17 Win 15–2 New Zealand Craig Turner[25] TKO 4 (6) 30 June 2016 New Zealand Standfords Event Centre, Ōpunake, New Zealand
16 Win 14–2 Samoa Togasilimai Letoa[26] UD 8 2 April 2016 New ZealandTSB Stadium, New Plymouth, New Zealand
15 Win 13–2 SamoaNew Zealand Vaimoli Ioelu[27] UD 4 25 February 2016 New Zealand ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
14 Win 12–2 New Zealand Sivan Hermez[28] TKO 4 (6) 12 December 2015 New ZealandThe Hub, Hawera New Zealand
13 Loss 11–2 Australia Rob Powdrill SD 10 22 August 2015 New ZealandTSB Stadium, New Plymouth, New Zealand For Vacant IBO Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Title[29]
12 Win 11–1 New Zealand Sam Loli[30] UD 6 26 June 2015 New ZealandStandfords Event Centre, Ōpunake, New Zealand
11 Win 10–1 Australia Dean Purdon[31] KO 3 (10) 2:46 18 April 2015 New ZealandTSB Stadium, New Plymouth, New Zealand Won Vacant IBO Asia Pacific Light Heavyweight Title
10 Win 9–1 FijiNew Zealand Edwin Samy[32] SD 6 7 February 2015 New ZealandWar Memorial Hall, Waitara, New Zealand
9 Loss 8–1 New Zealand Reece Papuni[33] TKO 4 (10) 16 October 2014 New ZealandThe Trusts Arena, Auckland, New Zealand Lost New Zealand National (NZNBF version) Light Heavyweight Title
8 Win 8–0 United KingdomNew Zealand Richard Hackney[34] KO 5 (10) 12 September 2014 New ZealandTSB Stadium, New Plymouth, New Zealand Won Vacant New Zealand National (NZNBF version) Light Heavyweight Title
7 Win 7–0 FijiNew Zealand Taito Ratuere[35] UD 6 4 June 2014 New ZealandThe Trusts Arena, Auckland, New Zealand
6 Win 6–0 PakistanNew Zealand Kashif Mumtaz[36] TKO 2 (6) 2:43 14 February 2014 New ZealandTSB Stadium, New Plymouth, New Zealand
5 Win 5–0 SamoaNew Zealand Moses Ioelu[37] KO 4 (6) 13 December 2013 New ZealandYMCA Gymnasium, New Plymouth, New Zealand
4 Win 4–0 Fiji Isaia Maku Jnr[38] TKO 1 (6) 2:21 16 November 2013 New Zealand Claudelands Arena, Hamilton, New Zealand
3 Win 3–0 SamoaNew Zealand Atalili Fai[39] TKO 3 (4) 10 October 2013 New Zealand The Trusts Arena, Auckland, New Zealand
2 Win 2–0 New Zealand Viliami Toafi[40] TKO 1 (4) 2:09 13 June 2013 New Zealand The Trusts Arena, Auckland, New Zealand
1 Win 1–0 TongaNew Zealand Scott Taliauli TKO 3 (4) 0:35 6 April 2013 New Zealand TSB Stadium, New Plymouth, New Zealand

Personal life and charity work

Born in, New Plymouth, New Zealand, Rapira is the cousin of New Zealand rugby league international, Sam Rapira. Rapira, his brother Jake and their co-owned boxing gym do regular charity work for the community and SPCA. Their biggest contribution is organizing food banks for the winter months and Christmas Season. They donate to the community including the food banks on average a hundred times a month.[41]

Awards and recognitions
  • 2019 Gladrap Boxing Awards Event of the year (Won)[42]

References
  1. "Rapira wins first pro fight by TKO". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  2. "IBO Champions". IBO. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  3. "Arafura Games 2011 - Boxing". Fox Sports Pulse. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  4. "Arafura Games 2011 - Boxing Medal Tale". Fox Sports Pulse. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  5. "Sam Rapira to face top-ranked light heavyweight". Taranaki Daily News. 3 August 2016. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
  6. "Sam Rapira suffers unanimous decision loss to Robert Berridge in New Plymouth". Taranaki Daily News. 16 September 2016. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
  7. "Boxer Robert "The Butcher" Berridge yells at the Referee during Post Fight Interview!". Gladrap Channel. 16 September 2016. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
  8. "UBO Upcoming bouts and events".
  9. "Ryan Ford vs. Sam Rapira". Facebook.
  10. "UBO Roar in Singapore results".
  11. "Last fight announced for Sam Rapira". Taranaki Daily News. Retrieved 5 April 2017.
  12. "Undercard for Rapira's final fight revealed". Taranaki Daily News. Retrieved 14 April 2017.
  13. "Sam Rapira about to put an end to the Terror". Taranaki Daily News. Retrieved 17 April 2017.
  14. "Sam Rapira claims vacant title in final bout of career". Taranaki Daily News. 27 May 2017. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  15. "Shaye Brock and Bowyn Morgan in battle to be called the best". Stuff NZ. 21 May 2018. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  16. "Boxer Sam Rapira retires from ring after coach throws towel in during title fight". Stuff NZ. 20 May 2018. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  17. "Taranaki's Sam Rapira to remain outside the ring at fight night". Stuff NZ. 8 March 2019. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  18. "Sam Rapira boxes on". Taranaki Daily News. 12 March 2019. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  19. "Champion boxer Sam Rapira reveals dementia diagnosis". Radio New Zealand. 12 December 2019. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  20. "'It's about longevity as a human' - Boxer's safety message packs a punch". Stuff NZ. 13 December 2019. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  21. "Patient Sam Rapira claims New Zealand belt". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  22. "Rapira Boxing Events". Rapira Boxing. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  23. "Sam Rapira claims vacant title in final bout of career". Taranaki Daily News. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
  24. "Sam Rapira suffers unanimous decision loss to Robert Berridge in New Plymouth". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
  25. "Rapira rapt with latest performance as he Ko's opponent". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
  26. "Sam Rapira wins unanimous points decision over Samoan champion". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
  27. "Boxing: Fighting fit, ready to rumble for charity". NZHerald. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
  28. "Sam Rapira wins comeback fight". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
  29. "Career in limbo as Rapira takes time to reflect". Stuff. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  30. "Langton gets the business done in front of vocal home crowd". Stuff. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
  31. "Sam Rapira thrills hometown fans with title win". Stuff. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
  32. "Rapira bounces back at fight night". Stuff. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
  33. "Boxer Reece Papuni shows he is the real deal". Stuff. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
  34. "Patient Sam Rapira claims New Zealand belt". Stuff. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
  35. "Boxing: Meehan takes inaugural Super 8 final". NZHerald. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
  36. "Big boys biff before bad break ends it". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
  37. "Rapira builds on his winning streak". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
  38. "Boxing: Tua retires after defeat". NZHerald. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
  39. "One-way traffic for Sam Rapira against Atalili Fai". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
  40. "Relentless Sam Rapira powers to fast TKO". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
  41. "Boxing for beans". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  42. "Gladrap Awards 2019". Gladrap Channel. Retrieved 3 January 2020.
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