It's going to be a family affair for the Tongan boxing team at next month's Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
The 13-strong Tongan team will be led into Carrara Stadium next Wednesday by Magan Maka, 24, who fought for New Zealand in Glasgow but will be representing her dad Fili's homeland of Tonga this time around in the women's 69kg class.
Watching proudly on will be Fili himself, the boxing team's assistant coach, who has trained his daughter since she was 11.
Fili's nephew Tui Vea will also be fighting in the men's 60kg classification.
Watch FULL LIVE COVERAGE of the 21st Commonwealth Games free-to-air on TVNZ from April 4, 2018.
Fili Maka is taking of his two fighters to the Commonwealth Games, and they just happen to be family.
Speaking before the trio left for Australia this afternoon, Magan Maka spoke of the honour she felt fighting for Tonga, and what it meant for her dad.
Holding the Tongan flag at the opening ceremony made it even more special.
"Last week my dad got a phone call, he was a bit teary-eyed when he told me the news," she said.
"I feel honoured, I'll hold the flag with pride for my country, I can't ask for a better opportunity. It's amazing.
"It's something I've always wanted to do. We haven't haven't together for an international fight, for him to come coach me overseas, I feel proud he can come with me to this big tournament."
Magan is a multiple NZ champ, and has twice picked up the most scientific boxer gong at the New Zealand Golden Gloves.
Despite finding opponents tough to come by in recent years, she said she was primed to make a splash in the ring in the coming weeks.
"I'm feeling good, I'm feeling like my preparation has been on point, I'm ready to go."
Fili Maka, who coaches in Wellsford, north of Auckland, said he was blessed to be taking two family members to the international stage.
"It's an honour and a very proud moment.. it's a blessing to have two fighters representing the country."
Vea was making the step up to elite level boxing, but wasn't daunted by the challenge.
"I feel good, I feel ready, it's a blessing to go with my uncle, I'm proud to represent my country. Let's rock and roll!"
Tonga's team for the Commonwealth Games:
Atamaama Tu’utafaiva (Women’s Shotput), Talatala Po’oi (Men’s 110m Hurdles), Magan Maka (Boxing, Women’s 69kg), Salote Huni (Boxing, Women’s 75kg), Tui Vea (Boxing, Men’s 60kg), John Moleni (Boxing, Men’s 69kg), Samuela Kei (Boxing, Men’s +91kg), Caroline Dubois (Lawn Bowls), Malia Kioa (Lawn Bowls), Henry Liutai (Shooting), Charissa Panuve (Swimming Women’s), Finau ‘Ohuafi (Swimming Men’s), Sateki Langi (Weightlifting +105kg Men’s)
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