Samoan heavyweight boxer Frank Masoe says representing the country of his parents' birth will be one of the proudest moments of his life.
Like former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker, 22-year-old Masoe is fiercely proud of both his South Auckland and Samoan heritage.
After missing selection in the New Zealand squad, the door opened for Masoe to represent Samoa, which he says is the best decision he ever made.
"Nothing better than going to back to where your parents were born and raised, paying back to all my Samoan friends and family," he said.
"It means a lot, actually, I come from very strong Samoan heritage and we treasure our Samoan culture very much."
Masoe's parents Faafua and Sauao migrated to New Zealand in the mid-80s.
Ever since, they have eagerly watched Olympics and Commonwealth Games, and watching their son walk out at Carrara Stadium at tomorrow night's opening ceremony, not to mention fighting in the heavyweight division, is hard to put into words for the Masoe clan.
"It's a dream come true for my parents, to see, for years and years we've watched the Olympic and Commonwealth Games opening ceremonies, we all pictured myself being there, and now it's going to be happening in a couple of days."
A two-time national champion, this will be Masoe's first taste of international action.
Gaining experience will be a priority, but Masoe, small for a heavyweight, is determined to leave his mark.
"I believe in all my hard work and training I've been doing in the last months, year, that's led me here."
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