Judah Toimata takes on 100-round boxing event to raise funds for Joel Paikea
Joel Paikea broke nearly every bone in his body. What his friend did in response defies belief.
As Judah Toimata completed 100 rounds in a boxing ring the thoughts of his best friend laying in a hospital bed an inch from death with nearly every bone in his body broken and internal bleeding spurned him on.
Toimata took on the incredible feat in a bid at Fiteklub Fitness Boxing Gym in a bid to raise money for his friend Joel Paikea who spent a month in a coma following a horrific motorcycle accident.
The pair have been close friends since childhood with Toimata calling Paikea a ‘brother’ to him.
“He (Paikea) ended up in the hospital in the ICU and had heart-bleeding, brain swelling, pretty much most of the bones in his body were broken and he was in a coma for a month,” Toimata said.
“It was difficult, it was hard seeing his family and where they were with it all.
“The unknown just sitting there every night and not knowing what’s going to happen next - that was one of the biggest struggles.
“I thought I’m going to try to do something about it and help as much as I could.”
Toimata’s body nearly failed him on multiple occasions throughout the gruelling fundraiser but said it was all worthwhile when he completed his final round.
“I think around the 50s my body started cramping, I ended up having a minute on the ground trying to uncramp myself,” he said.
“I had three or four cramps going at all times.
“It was always just a reset going to my corner with my coaches and team. When you understand the drive behind what you’re doing, it’s a no-brainer.
“My pain is temporary compared to what Joel’s been going through. It was a horrible feeling but the atmosphere, the knowing why, all that just picked me up and kept me going.”
Toimata said the highlight of the event was facing off with Paikea’s father in the ring, with the pair sharing an emotional embrace at the end of their round.
“Seeing Joel’s dad, he was trying to hide behind the bags crying before he jumped into the ring because he realised how much support their family had,” Toimata said.
“When he hopped in the ring, I saw tears come out of his eyes and after the round we hugged it out for like 20 seconds.
“I had a few tears come out my eyes, it was finally done but also knowing his dad knew that not only does he have a community behind him, but Joel’s got a brother in me that will put his body on the line to support him and go through battles with him.”
Saturday’s event raised more than $6,000 for the cause with the GoFundMe now surpassing $20,000.
Originally published as Judah Toimata takes on 100-round boxing event to raise funds for Joel Paikea
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