In a remarkable account shared in his upcoming book “Maker of Champions,” veteran boxing trainer John Ramos reflects on a pivotal moment in 1977 when a dispute with the Professional Boxing and Wrestling Association of Fiji (PBWAF) nearly kept him from coaching Sakaraia Ve during his significant fight against Samoan contender Ali Afakasi.
Afakasi, who had a strong background in the sport, was considered a key opponent for Ve as he aimed for a title shot that had been in the works for a year. With a notable history of success, Afakasi held multiple championships, including the South Seas welterweight title. Meanwhile, Ve was determined to make his mark in the professional boxing scene.
During the turmoil, Ramos faced a suspension from PBWAF, but he chose to proceed with the fight regardless of the conflict. In an unexpected move, Ve wrote to PBWAF to notify them that Ramos would not be present in his corner, catching the association’s secretary, Mumtaz Ali, by surprise. Ali later expressed his gratitude for Ve’s decision, emphasizing that it could have put the boxer’s career in jeopardy had he insisted on sticking with Ramos.
Despite the coaching shake-up, Ve made it clear that their partnership was not over. He explained that they both felt it was critical to adapt their plans considering the importance of the fight.
Ramos shifted his focus to prepare Ve for this vital matchup, but as the event drew nearer, Ve expressed his desire for Ramos to be at ringside. This led Ramos to make the difficult decision to extend an unreserved apology to PBWAF through his attorney, which ultimately brought about a positive outcome: his suspension was lifted.
The fight attracted a strong following, with over 300 of Ve’s supporters traveling from Lovoni to cheer for their champion. Age and experience favored Afakasi, but Ve’s resilience shined through. He secured a sixth-round TKO victory after delivering a series of powerful blows that inflicted a cut above Afakasi’s eye and caused significant trouble for him throughout the bout.
The victory not only solidified Ve’s status in the sport but also encouraged PBWAF to engage with the British Boxing Board of Control regarding a potential Commonwealth title shot for him.
This story illustrates the dedication and fortitude found within the sport of boxing, capturing the spirit of overcoming obstacles and the importance of teamwork. It serves as a reminder that adversity can lead to growth and opportunity, especially in the pursuit of dreams.
Summary: Veteran trainer John Ramos reflects on the challenges faced while preparing boxer Sakaraia Ve for his fight against Ali Afakasi in 1977. Despite a suspension from PBWAF, Ramos and Ve navigated the situation by acknowledging the importance of the bout, leading to Ramos’ eventual reinstatement. Ve’s impressive sixth-round TKO victory has since opened the door for a potential Commonwealth title shot, demonstrating resilience and teamwork in the face of adversity.
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