Trainer and former boxer, Saimoni Taudomo, has criticised the unhealthy practice of transitioning boxers from amateur to professional bouts without proper training. Taudomo voiced his agitation over a particular boxer, not involved in amateur boxing, who has participated in five professional rounds according to Boxrec records.
Taudomo argued that such practices are unfair to those who have dedicated their time to amateur boxing. He identified the problem as FABA’s refusal to release its boxers, promoting mismatches in the sport. In some cases, Taudomo suggested, professional fights have been so uninteresting that spectators might as well bring their pillow and blanket.
The former boxer firmly believes in the need for an elite pathway for amateur boxers to revive the sport. He urged that they should be ready to compete in the professional ring. He also highlighted that the best boxing talent can be found in amateur divisions, where participants are well-practiced in advanced timing drills and speed punches.
Taudomo expressed concern over professional boxers lacking amateur experience due to unawareness of the progression pathway and hopes that the application of skills and techniques will be enforced in the future. However, emails to BCF regarding these matters remain unanswered.
Originally published by The Fiji Times, [see original article here](https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/fight-amateur-first-no-shortcut-in-boxing/).