Veteran boxing trainer John Ramos emphasizes the crucial link between amateur and professional boxing in his upcoming book, *Maker of Champions*, set to launch on Saturday. In the book, Ramos pays tribute to his mentor, Hector Hatch, a former Olympian and champion amateur welterweight from Fiji.
Ramos recounts his own beginnings in 1962 at the Suva Youth Centre, where he trained under Hatch while participating in weekly amateur boxing matches at the PWD Gym in Suva. The Fiji Amateur Boxing Association (FABA), founded in 1953, became a vital platform for nurturing boxing talent in the country. During this period, notable achievements included Fiji’s participation in the 1956 Olympic Games and the emergence of exceptional boxers like Moses Evans and Holgar Johansen, who won bronze medals at the 1962 Commonwealth Games.
Ramos credits Hatch’s leadership and commitment to amateur boxing for paving the way for countless athletes to transition successfully into the professional arena. He describes Hatch as an unparalleled trainer and administrator whose influence has left a lasting legacy in Fiji’s sporting culture. With a call for a revival in amateur boxing, Ramos expresses hope that a leader like Hatch will restore public trust in the sport and foster a new generation of champions.
In addition to celebrating past successes, Ramos highlights a list of amateur boxers who made significant strides in their professional careers, including Ravuama Roko, Basdeo, and Alipate Korovou, among others. The upcoming book promises to shed light on these narratives and inspire future generations of athletes.
This focus on the foundational role of amateur boxing in nurturing professional talent can provide a hopeful perspective for aspiring boxers. By advocating for the revitalization of amateur programs, the sport can cultivate a flourishing environment that produces skilled competitors equipped for success on larger stages.
Looking ahead, the launch of *Maker of Champions* is not just a celebration of past achievements but also a clarion call to invest in the future of boxing in Fiji.
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