“E lele le toloa ae ma’au i le vai”. On the 14th of October 2022, the Diaspora Relations Unit
under the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, greeted the former WBO Heavyweight
Champion of the World, Lupesoliai La’auliolemalietoa Joseph Parker in Apia. Lupesoliai
acknowledged his appreciation for Samoa’s love and support from the outset of his career as a
professional boxer to where he is to date. He mentioned that although his recent bout with Joe
Joyce last month did not turn out the way he and the whole of Samoa had expected, he will
continue to perform to the best of his ability for his country. Lupesoliai relayed his regards to the
Honourable Prime Minister and the people of Samoa and hoped that his upcoming fight in
December would have a more favourable outcome for his country. Parker was visiting families
in Samoa. He was joined by his wife and children. They returned to New Zealand last weekend.
The Diaspora Relations Unit was established in 2019 to foster and strengthen close connections
with the Samoa Diaspora, recognizing their invaluable contributions to various professions and
for being great ambassadors to Samoa.