SUPREMELY fit Ipswich-bred boxer Paulo Aokuso received a massive boost before winning his latest historic fight at Booval.

The sporting all-rounder spent more than an hour encouraged by additional support from his family and students at St Peter Claver College [SPCC].

Aokuso delivered a powerful message that he showcased in beating Emmanuel Danso to win the WBA Oceania light heavyweight title at Ipswich’s basketball stadium on Saturday night.

“I’ve got the experience. I believe in myself,” he said.

His latest first-round TKO victory was his seventh in a row since turning professional after representing Australia at the Tokyo Olympics.

Paulo, 26, was in tip-top shape as he visited his former school with younger boxing  brother Austin and other family members wearing ‘Team Aokuso’ shirts.

The brothers with Samoan heritage train up to seven hours a day, urging young people to be the first to arrive and last to leave.

“This is where all the hard work starts,” Paulo told the year 11 and 12 students involved in the SPCC rugby league program.

“Everything you do has to be hardcore or you’ll fall short.”

However, Paulo said it was also important to spend time with the people that mean the most.

He takes Sundays off to rest and recovery.

Photo: DAVID LEMS

Paulo (pictured) and Austin both graduated from the college in 2015, having demonstrated multiple skills living in Gailes.

Paulo said his focus was “100 per cent” on boxing after previously playing rugby league, basketball and participating in athletics.

His early years were in Mt Druitt, before relocating to Gailes aged 13.

“I was happy that I moved here from Sydney,” he said.

“There were better teachers . . . really different to Sydney.”

Mum Nessie with sons Paulo (left) and Austin at the St Peter Claver College visit. Photo: DAVID LEMS

Paulo played basketball “just for fun” while being committed to developing his rugby league career.

When the opportunity to learn boxing arose, he grabbed it with both hands.

He was proud to represent Australia at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

Paulo made the final round of 16 before a narrow split decision loss to Spanish opponent Gazi Jalidov in the light heavyweight division.

“I’ve always loved boxing,” he said.

“My dad [Samoan representative Kigilau] used to be a boxer too.”

Paulo’s older sister Filoi won a silver medal at the 2014 national titles before representing Australia in discus at the World Youth Olympics in the United States.

Mum Nessie remains a huge supporter, smiling as she listens to her son share his sporting knowledge.

“What my parents did for us as kids is a blessing,” Paulo said.

Paulo and Austin share their experience with St Peter Claver College students. Photo: DAVID LEMS

Paulo appreciates the widespread support he receives, including from deputy principal and former rugby league program head Todd Riggs.

“Riggsy has been my footy coach for years – at Ipswich Jets and the [Ipswich] Diggers and all through school,” he said.

Paulo also played for the Springfield club while furthering his Jets career in the Cyril Connell and Mal Meninga competitions.

Riggs said the  message “that it all starts here” was invaluable.

“We’ve got a spread within our rugby league program now of students that are absolutely gunning towards trying to play rugby league at a high level and others that are in the program for different reasons,” he said.