Philippines, 08 Jan 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Elijah Akana is is Set To Turn Professional, Signs with a Manager and Promoter

PhilBoxing.com


Reading, PA (August 29, 2023)--Amateur heavyweight standout Elijah Akana is ready to take the next step in his career. The 2022 Golden Glove National Champion is making the transition to the paid ranks.

He signed a multi-year managerial deal with Trifon Petrov and a promotional pact with Kings Promotions.

Akana who was born and raised in Oahu, Hawaii is a natural athlete, he played various sports growing up such as football, basketball and all types of water sports. He did not pick up boxing until he was a 26 year old when a friend invited him to the local boxing gym. It was love at first sight. Elijah Akana felt right at home once he stepped in the boxing ring for the first time.

“I always got into fights growing up in Hawaii. Fighting is in our DNA, there is such a rich history of fighting in Hawaiian culture. Boxing came like second nature to me. Once I put on those gloves for the first time, I knew that’s what I wanted to do as a career path.”- said Elijah Akana.

Starting late in boxing meant that Akana had to work three times as hard as his opponents in order to be successful in the ring.

“What always set me apart throughout my life was that I’ve always been willing to do whatever it takes to be successful. Going into my first National Tournament, I knew I was in a disadvantage because I had to compete against fighters who have been boxing since they were 10 years old, but what always set me apart from my opponents is my heart and willingness to put it all on the line.“- said Akana

His amateur career was short, but very successful. It all culminated with him winning the National Golden Gloves tournament in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“Elijah’s story is very different from your typical National Champion. He is a living proof that if you work tirelessly to chase your dreams everything is possible. Nobody thought somebody who picks up the sport at 26 years old would be one of the best fighters in the country. Elijah Akana is a great role model for his daughters and the upcoming generation of fighters.”- said Trifon Petrov.

“I’m very excited to welcome Elijah as part of the Kings Boxing family. He is another high level National Champion we are able to work with. He is very talented and the sky's the limit.”- said Marshall Kauffman of Kings Promotions.

Here is what Elijah added about the signing with Marshall Kauffman and Trifon Petrov.

“I am extremely honored and excited to be able to sign with a promoter like Marshall Kauffman. He’s built a lot of World Champions and opened doors for a lot of up and coming fighters.

Trifon has a great eye for talent and I am humbled he saw something special in me and gave me the opportunity to work together.

I am sure with their help, I’ll be a World Champion in the future”




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Canoy banking on his ring experience against Kuse
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 08 Jan 2026
  • Undefeated Kansas Middleweight Prospect Marco “El Tiburon” Romero finished 2025 with 7th triumphs, all by knockout, & 11-0 record
    , Thu, 08 Jan 2026
  • Kinetix Sports aims for bigger events in 2026
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 08 Jan 2026
  • 2026 Santa Maria Town Fiesta Chess Challenge on January 26
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 08 Jan 2026
  • World Ranked Heavyweight Dainier Pero Headlines on Saturday, January 17th at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia
    , Wed, 07 Jan 2026
  • Jahyae Brown to Battle Arnold Gonzalez in Exciting Co-Feature on Thursday, January 15th at The War Memorial in Trenton, New Jersey
    , Wed, 07 Jan 2026
  • Hendri Cedeno Seeks Monumental Victory Against Alfredo Santiago for NABO Title January 10 at Barclays Center
    , Tue, 06 Jan 2026
  • Kingsley Ibeh learned from his Loss 5 years ago to Jared Anderson
    , Tue, 06 Jan 2026
  • Unified World Cruiserweight Champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez returning to Corpus Christi…as a promoter!
    , Tue, 06 Jan 2026
  • Ocum to fight Ballesteros on January 26
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 05 Jan 2026
  • SEA Plus Youth Games - Tolentino
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 05 Jan 2026
  • 87th Kalilangan Chess Festival Featuring Manny Pacquiao International Open to Push Through
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 05 Jan 2026
  • Deniega to fight Oka in Japan
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 02 Jan 2026
  • Illness forces Paddy Donovan to withdraw from IBF Welterweight World Eliminator January 16 versus Liam Paro in Australia
    , Fri, 02 Jan 2026
  • Canadian World Cruiserweight Contender Ryan Rozicki returning to ring March 7th
    , Thu, 01 Jan 2026
  • Lover Boy on hot streak
    By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 31 Dec 2025
  • Silvano fights Gurung on January 13 in Hong Kong
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 31 Dec 2025
  • GM Laylo faces tough competition in Caloocan rapid chess
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 31 Dec 2025
  • GOLDEN BOY DELIVERS A LOADED UNDERCARD OF STAR PROSPECTS FOR ROCHA VS. CURIEL II
    , Wed, 31 Dec 2025
  • Arca wins silver in Eastern Asian Juniors Chess Championships 2025
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 31 Dec 2025
  • Donaire awaits WBA order
    By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 30 Dec 2025
  • Anthony Joshua injured in car crash in Nigeria
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 30 Dec 2025
  • Sampson Boxing Signs Red Hot Middleweight Vito Mielnicki Jr to Exclusive Promotional Contract
    , Tue, 30 Dec 2025
  • Undefeated Carl Jammes Martin Plots Next Move as New Year Unfolds
    , Mon, 29 Dec 2025
  • Alvin Gayeta Roma leads Mansa Engineering Consultancy Team B to rule New York Chess Academy Team Tournament; pockets P100,000
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 29 Dec 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.