Mike Weaver vs. Mani Vaka ~ "Career Saver For Weaver"

[Bill Paxtom]

Saturday ~ August 24, 1974

International Center Arena ~ Honolulu, Hawaii

'Main Event' > WBA Super-Featherweight Championship

Champion - Ben Villaflor vs. Challenger - Yasutsune Uehara
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'Main Undercard'

Mani Vaka {Tonga} ~ 37-6-0 {26 KO's}
vs.
Mike Weaver {San Diego, California} ~ 11-4-0 {8 KO's}

'The Skinny'

Mani Vaka, was a highly-regarded puncher from Tonga who was campaigning in Hawaii. The 30 year-old
Tonga Heavyweight was a an 8-Year Professional who had been campaigning since 1966.

The 6' 0" and 207 lb. muscle-man from the South Seas, was a vicious right-hand punching fighter who had
an aggressive style.

In his career, Mani had never been floored, and had only been stopped once {by a cut left-eye} back in
July 1970.

Mani was ranked as the #2 South Seas Heavyweight, behind Young Sekona {who had defeated him 3-Times},
all in 1973, including a {L Dec 15} on November 16, 1973 for the South Seas Heavyweight Championship.

But Mani moved to Hawaii in early 1974, and had won '8' straight, and all by Knockouts. Including a
'skocking' {KO 1} over #13 World-ranked 'Irish' Pat Duncan on July 16th.

Now, Mani had moved up to the #14 World-ranked Heavyweight.

Originally >

#10 Heavyweight - Duane Bobick was supposed to come here to face Mani Vaka. But Duane's Manager {Billy Daniels}
opted out of the bout.