In the lead-up to a significant 1977 boxing match, tensions arose between the Professional Boxing and Wrestling Association of Fiji (PBWAF) and respected trainer John Ramos, which nearly prevented him from cornering Sakaraia Ve against Ali Afakasi. This conflict is detailed in Ramos’ upcoming book, “Maker of Champions,” set to be released this Saturday.
Afakasi, hailing from Samoa but based in New Zealand, was seen as a key challenger for Ve, marking his second international opponent. Ranked in the Commonwealth welterweight division, Afakasi was considered as a vital stepping stone for Ve on his quest for a Commonwealth title that had been planned for the upcoming year. Previously, Afakasi had secured the South Seas welterweight title in 1974, along with multiple other championships.
During this turmoil, Ramos found himself suspended by PBWAF but ultimately chose to continue with the fight preparations. He later received an unexpected letter from Ve, informing the association that Ramos would not be in his corner, a move that surprised PBWAF secretary Mumtaz Ali. Ali expressed relief that Ve would not jeopardize his boxing career by sticking with Ramos.
Despite the split, Ve emphasized that this did not signal the end of his relationship with Ramos. He indicated that both parties had discussed the importance of the fight and agreed that it was essential to move forward without leading to any complications with the association.
Ramos, determined to support Ve, worked hard to prepare him for this pivotal fight. As the date approached, Ve conveyed his desire for Ramos to be in his corner, prompting Ramos to submit an unreserved apology to PBWAF and retract his earlier criticisms. This decisive move led to an urgent meeting, where PBWAF voted to lift Ramos’ suspension, much to the relief of Ve and his team.
The fight was a family affair, drawing over 300 of Ve’s relatives to support him at the Laucala Bay Hangar. With Afakasi being eight years his senior and boasting an extensive record, Ve nevertheless triumphed, winning by TKO in the sixth round after landing effective blows that led to visible injuries for Afakasi. This victory not only marked a critical step in Ve’s career but also prompted PBWAF to consider him for a shot at the Commonwealth title, illustrating the ongoing growth and opportunities in Fiji’s boxing scene.
This story showcases the resilience of athletes in the face of challenges and underscores the importance of teamwork and effective communication in sports. As Ramos and Ve’s partnership continued to thrive post-fight, it reinforces a hopeful message for future collaborations in the world of boxing.
Leave a comment