Sam Rapira (boxer)


Sam Rapira is a New Zealand boxing promoter and professional boxer.
Rapira had a very well credentialed amateur career, fighting 70 fights before turning pro. Rapira was his own promoter, promoting every fight he has had in New Plymouth.

Charity

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.

Personal life

Born in, New Plymouth, New Zealand, Rapira is the cousin of New Zealand rugby league international, Sam Rapira.

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. 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.

Professional career

Berridge vs Rapira

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. Berridge won the bout by unanimous decision. After the bout Berridge commented on how poor referee David Craig officiated the fight, with the lack of control and not stepping in when there was too much holding or wrestling.

Ford vs Rapira

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. He lost the fight via TKO in the ninth round.

Maniapoto vs Rapira

On 5 April 2017, Rapira announced his retirement fight which will take place on 26 May against undefeated boxer, Tipene Maniapoto. 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. A few days before the bout, Rapira announce that the fight was upgraded to a title bout for the PABA title. Rapira won the bout by Unanimous Decision with Maniapoto being knocked down multiple times throughout the bout.

Championships

No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
20Win16–4 Tipene ManiapotoUD1026 May 2017Won Vacant PABA Light Heavyweight Title
19Loss15–4 Ryan FordTKO9, 2:0917 February 2017For Vacant UBO World Light Heavyweight Title
18Lose15–3 Robert BerridgeUD816 September 2016
17Win15–2 Craig TurnerTKO4 30 June 2016
16Win14–2 Togasilimai LetoaUD82 April 2016
15Win13–2 Vaimoli IoeluUD425 February 2016ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand.png" />
14Win12–2 Sivan HermezTKO4 12 December 2015
13Loss11–2 Rob PowdrillSD1022 August 2015For Vacant IBO Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Title
12Win11–1 Sam LoliUD626 June 2015
11Win10–1 Dean PurdonKO3 2:4618 April 2015Won Vacant IBO Asia Pacific Light Heavyweight Title
10Win9–1 Edwin SamySD67 February 2015
9Loss8–1 Reece PapuniTKO4 16 October 2014Lost NZNBF Light Heavyweight Title
8Win8–0 Richard HackneyKO5 12 September 2014Won Vacant NZNBF Light Heavyweight Title
7Win7–0 Taito RatuereUD64 June 2014
6Win6–0 Kashif MumtazTKO2 2:4314 February 2014
5Win5–0 Moses IoeluKO4 13 December 2013
4Win4–0 Isaia Maku JnrTKO1 2:2116 November 2013Claudelands Arena, Hamilton, New Zealand.png" />
3Win3–0 Atalili FaiTKO3 10 October 2013The Trusts Arena, Auckland, New Zealand.png" />
2Win2–0 Viliami ToafiTKO1 2:0913 June 2013
1Win1–0 Scott TaliauliTKO3 0:356 April 2013

Promoted events record

Awards and recognitions