A significant moment in Fijian boxing history arose in 1977 when veteran trainer John Ramos faced a conflict with the Professional Boxing and Wrestling Association of Fiji (PBWAF) that nearly kept him from cornering Sakaraia Ve in his crucial match against Ali Afakasi. This story is detailed in Ramos’ upcoming book, “Maker of Champions,” set to release on Saturday.
Afakasi, a Samoan fighter based in New Zealand, was recognized in the Commonwealth’s welterweight ranks and was considered a vital step for Ve toward a planned Commonwealth title shot. He was a strong competitor, having claimed the South Seas welterweight title in 1974 along with multiple titles in New Zealand.
Despite his suspension from PBWAF, Ramos chose to go ahead with the fight, prompting Ve to notify PBWAF that his chief trainer would not be in his corner. The unexpected letter surprised PBWAF secretary Mumtaz Ali, who appreciated Ve’s proactive approach, suggesting that remaining aligned with Ramos could have threatened Ve’s boxing career.
Ve clarified that deciding to proceed without Ramos was a strategic move for this pivotal fight, highlighting the importance of securing a clear path forward for their professional goals. Ramos, respecting the situation, redirected his efforts to help prepare Ve for battle.
As the fight neared, the bond between Ramos and Ve remained evident; Ve expressed his strong desire to have Ramos back in his corner. To facilitate this, Ramos made the crucial decision to apologize to PBWAF and retract his previous negative comments about them. This sincere gesture led to an urgent meeting where PBWAF lifted Ramos’ suspension.
The atmosphere during the fight was electrifying, with over 300 of Ve’s supporters traveling to cheer him on. Despite the age gap and Afakasi’s more extensive fight record, Ve emerged victorious in the sixth round by technical knockout, opening a cut over Afakasi’s eye. This win captured the attention of PBWAF and bolstered efforts to secure Ve a shot at a Commonwealth title.
This narrative not only showcases the importance of teamwork in sports but also the resilience and determination of athletes who overcome challenges for success. The partnership between Ve and Ramos demonstrates how effective communication and dedication can lead to extraordinary achievements in the face of adversity.
In summary, Ramos’ journey back into the corner and Ve’s stunning victory highlight the power of reconciliation and commitment in pursuing dreams, setting the stage for exciting future opportunities in Fijian boxing.
Leave a comment