Veteran boxing trainer John Ramos emphasizes the critical role of amateur boxing as a foundational step for professional boxers in his upcoming book, “Maker of Champions,” set to be launched on Saturday.
In the book, Ramos pays tribute to his mentor, Hector Hatch, a former Olympian and champion in amateur welterweight boxing in Fiji. Ramos recounts his early training beginnings in 1962 at the Suva Youth Centre, where he honed his skills under Hatch’s guidance during weekly amateur competitions at the PWD Gym in Walu Bay.
The Fiji Amateur Boxing Association (FABA), established in 1953, gained international affiliation, and significant achievements followed. Fiji made its mark in 1956 by sending boxers to the Olympic Games, including Hatch and Thomas Schuster. Throughout his administration with FABA from 1958 until 1992, Hatch cultivated numerous boxing talents, leading to notable successes, including bronze medals at the 1962 Commonwealth Games in Perth.
Ramos highlights that Hatch’s steadfast commitment and leadership were instrumental in shaping the professional boxing landscape in Fiji. He stated, “I always remember him as the greatest amateur boxing trainer/manager and administrator whose wisdom and passion ensured that amateur boxing would remain ensconced in the national sporting consciousness.”
Ramos calls for the emergence of someone like Hatch to revitalize amateur boxing and restore public trust in the sport. He reflects on the successful transition of several amateur boxers into the professional realm, including Ravuama Roko and Timoci Belo, indicating the depth of talent that exists within the amateur circuit.
The anticipation builds for more insights from “Maker of Champions” in the days to come. This emphasis on the importance of fostering amateur boxing not only celebrates past successes but also provides a pathway for future talents to thrive in the sport.
The hopeful takeaway from this narrative is that, with the right mentorship and structured support, the next generation of boxers can achieve greatness both in amateur and professional boxing, continuing the legacy of champions.
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