Veteran boxing trainer John Ramos emphasizes the vital link between amateur and professional boxing in his upcoming book, “Maker of Champions,” set to launch on Saturday. In this insightful work, Ramos pays tribute to Hector Hatch, a former Olympian and Fiji’s amateur welterweight boxing champion, whom he considers a key mentor in his career.
Ramos recounts his journey, beginning in 1962 at the Suva Youth Centre where he trained under Hatch. They participated in amateur boxing events at the PWD Gym in Walu Bay, Suva, which laid the groundwork for Ramos’s later success. The Fiji Amateur Boxing Association (FABA), affiliated with the Association Internationale de Boxe Amateur, has played an essential role since its establishment in 1953. Under Hatch’s leadership, Fiji’s amateur boxing scene flourished, producing remarkable talent, including bronze medalists at the 1962 Commonwealth Games.
Ramos reflects on Hatch’s administrative contributions to FABA from 1958 until his retirement in 1992, detailing the significant achievements in amateur boxing during this period. Notable boxers who transitioned from amateur to professional included Ravuama Roko, Basdeo, and Alipate Korovou, among others.
In his book, Ramos argues that Fiji requires another figure like Hatch to revive amateur boxing and restore public faith in the sport. His dedication to fostering talent in amateur boxing illustrates its importance as a pipeline to professional success.
The anticipation surrounding the book signifies a renewed interest in the history and future of boxing in Fiji, highlighting the crucial role that dedicated trainers and administrators play in shaping the sport.
This narrative serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of amateur boxing and its potential to inspire the next generation of athletes. With leaders like Ramos advocating for the sport, the future appears promising.
For those eager to learn more about Ramos’s insights and contributions to boxing, stay tuned for additional coverage on “Maker of Champions.”
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