Veteran boxing trainer John Ramos emphasizes the important connection between amateur and professional boxing in his upcoming book, “Maker of Champions.” Set to launch this Saturday, Ramos reflects on the significant influence of Hector Hatch, a former Olympian and Fijian boxing champion, who played a crucial role in his development as a trainer.
Ramos recalls his early training days at the Suva Youth Centre (now known as the Young Men’s Christian Association) under Hatch, where he participated in weekly amateur boxing competitions at the PWD Gym in Walu Bay, Suva, during the 1960s. The Fiji Amateur Boxing Association (FABA), established in 1953 and affiliated with the Association Internationale de Boxe Amateure, has a rich history, with notable achievements including Fiji’s participation in the Olympic Games and the success of various amateur boxers.
Under Hatch’s leadership, many talented amateur athletes emerged, including bronze medalists Moses Evans and Holgar Johansen at the 1962 Commonwealth Games. Ramos credits Hatch for fostering a talent pool that would later transition into successful professional careers, noting the need for similar leadership in amateur boxing today.
Ramos asserts that Fiji requires another figure like Hatch to revitalize amateur boxing and rebuild public faith in the sport. The successful transition of amateur boxers into the professional arena exemplifies the potential for growth within the sport, inspiring hope for the future of boxing in Fiji.
As the launch of “Maker of Champions” approaches, it promises to shed light on the evolution and challenges of boxing in Fiji, uniting the past’s rich heritage with future aspirations for the sport.
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