Mr Lega Tagoa'i Muipu La'avasa Sagaga, MNZM, of Whangaparaoa, for services to boxing
Mr Lega Tagoa'i Muipu La'avasa Sagaga, MNZM, of Whangaparaoa, for services to boxing
Lega Tagoa'i Muipu La'avasa Sagaga was a high-ranking middleweight boxer in the 1970s and is known in New Zealand and Samoan boxing history as ‘Battling La’avasa’.
He won the Samoan and South Pacific Games amateur titles before embarking on a pro career that saw him win 34 fights with 14 KOs and go unbeaten for more than five years.
In his New Zealand debut, he defeated Kahu Mahunga, the then New Zealand champion.
He had a streak of 38 straight fights undefeated. After retiring from boxing, he mentored and trained numerous youth, including boxer David Tua.
Mr Sagaga was deacon of the Otara Pacific Island Church for many years.