A significant dispute nearly prevented veteran trainer John Ramos from cornering Sakaraia Ve in his 1977 bout against Ali Afakasi, as revealed in Ramos’ upcoming book, “Maker of Champions.” This match was crucial for Ve, who was preparing to take on Afakasi, a well-regarded opponent in the Commonwealth’s welterweight division and perceived as a stepping stone towards a Commonwealth title planned for Ve a year later.
Afakasi, originally from Samoa and based in New Zealand, had previously achieved notable success, claiming the South Seas welterweight title in 1974 and holding several other titles at the time. As tensions rose between Ramos and the Professional Boxing and Wrestling Association of Fiji (PBWAF), Ramos was initially suspended, and consequently, Ve sent a surprising letter to PBWAF stating that Ramos would not be in his corner for the crucial fight. PBWAF secretary Mumtaz Ali expressed surprise at Ve’s unilateral decision but acknowledged that sticking with Ramos could have jeopardized Ve’s career.
Despite the separation, Ve reassured fans that his relationship with Ramos remained intact. “We thought the association would have rejected the programme if Ramos was in my corner, so we talked it over,” Ve explained, emphasizing the importance of the fight and their collective decision.
Ultimately, Ramos chose to reconcile with PBWAF to ensure he could support Ve in the ring. After sending an apology through his solicitor and retracting previous criticisms about the association, PBWAF lifted Ramos’ suspension, allowing him to train Ve for the fight.
The showdown drew significant local support, with over 300 of Ve’s family and friends present at Laucala Bay Hangar to cheer him on. The match ended in a sixth-round technical knockout victory for Ve, solidifying his path toward a potential title shot. Ramos noted that this victory prompted further discussions among PBWAF and the British Boxing Board of Control regarding a Commonwealth title opportunity for Ve.
This story showcases the importance of teamwork and perseverance in achieving success, demonstrating that challenges can be overcome through communication and humility. As Ve continues to make strides in his boxing career, the support from both his trainer and community remains integral to his journey.
In summary, the article allows readers to see a compelling narrative of determination in the world of boxing, which serves as an inspiration to athletes facing their own challenges.
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