Jimmy Thunder (born February 3, 1966 in Apia, Western Samoa as James Peau), is a former Samoan boxer who fought in several noteworthy boxing matches in the 1990s and 2000s. Thunder is also a cousin of professional wrestling and film superstar Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

Early life

He went to school at Onehunga High School in Auckland, New Zealand. His friend introduced Jimmy to Jerry Preston. Preston took on the young samoan into his boxing gym in Mangere Bridge. From then on, Jimmy found his heart in the sport of boxng. In his early amateur days, Jimmy became the first samoan born in 1986 to win a gold medal for the heavyweight division, representing New Zealand at the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, Scotland. He defeated Dougie Young in his hometown by unanimous decision. It was one of the 9 gold medals won for New Zealand in that year.

His mother Papaliitele Milagi Leaupepe is from the village of Fasitoouta, and his father Lupematasila Maalo Faasavalu Peau is from the village of Falelatai. Jimmy was born 3rd out of six siblings. He has only one sister, Shelley, and four other brothers, Arthur, Niu, Jhonnie & Christopher. They all grew up in Auckland New Zealand. Jimmy is also a direct descendant of the paramount royal chief of Samoa Malietoa NatuitasinaTaimalelagi from his grandmother's side. She was Malelega, daughter of Aionofaasisina, son of Pouvi Malietoa who was the son of Malietoa Natuitasina Taimalelagi. Jimmy was also bestowed the chief title 'Ti'a' in Fasitoouta Samoa in 1996.

Career

Known for his heavy punching power and for becoming the first Samoan heavyweight champion in history, Thunder turned pro in 1989 and fought many future champions in the heavyweight division in his career. Among his notable victories are wins over Tony Tubbs, Craig Peterson, Trevor Berbick, and Tim Witherspoon.

On the March 18, 1997, an edition of USA's Tuesday Night Fights, Thunder met Crawford Grimsley in a scheduled 10 round main event. In the first 1.7 seconds of the first round, Grimsley threw a lazy left and Thunder countered with an overhand right hand that sent Grimsley crashing to the canvas. By the time the referee waved the fight as a knockout the time of the fight had been recorded as 10 seconds in the first round. It is the fastest knock-out ever recorded in a professional boxing event. Thunder was last known to be living in Las Vegas. He has 2 sons and 1 daughter They're names are Keli Peau,Julius Peau,Louis Peau.

Major title held

• IBO Heavyweight Title

Minor titles held

• OPBF Heavyweight Title
• WBC International Heavyweight Title
• IBF Pan Pacific Heavyweight Title
• Australian Heavyweight Title
• WBF Heavyweight Title
• WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight Title

External links