A significant dispute emerged between the Professional Boxing and Wrestling Association of Fiji (PBWAF) and renowned trainer John Ramos, nearly preventing him from training boxer Sakaraia Ve for his match against Ali Afakasi in 1977. This pivotal moment is highlighted in Ramos’ forthcoming book, “Maker of Champions,” set for release this Saturday.
Ali Afakasi, a Samoan fighter based in New Zealand, was Ve’s second international opponent and was acclaimed in the Commonwealth’s welterweight division. Seen as a crucial step in Ve’s boxing career, Afakasi was expected to help propel Ve towards a Commonwealth title that had been planned a year prior. At the time, Afakasi held the South Seas welterweight title, winning in 1974, along with several other titles in his weight class.
Amid a suspension from PBWAF, Ramos opted to continue with preparations for the fight. Ve subsequently submitted a letter to PBWAF, unexpectedly informing them that Ramos would not be in his corner. This action took PBWAF secretary Mumtaz Ali by surprise, as he noted that Ve acted without being prompted.
Ali expressed gratitude for Ve’s decision, pleased that it kept Ve’s boxing career on solid ground. Despite the absence of Ramos, Ve clarified that their partnership was not over, highlighting that the decision was made collaboratively to ensure a successful fight.
In a turn of events, Ramos ultimately sought forgiveness from PBWAF, allowing him to return to Ve’s corner. He submitted a public apology through his lawyer, retracting previous negative remarks about the association, which prompted PBWAF to lift his suspension after an urgent meeting.
As the fight approached, a fervent crowd of over 300 family members traveled from Lovoni to support Ve at the Laucala Bay Hangar. Facing the older and experienced Afakasi, who had a fight record of 27-5-1 compared to Ve’s 17-1-0, Ve went into the match with determination.
The bout concluded with a sixth-round technical knockout victory for Ve, who delivered precise hits that led to a cut over Afakasi’s eye and a nosebleed in earlier rounds. This win also spurred PBWAF’s Ali to engage with the British Boxing Board of Control, advocating for Ve to be considered for a Commonwealth title shot.
This episode reflects not only the challenges athletes face but also the importance of collaboration and communication in overcoming obstacles. The ability of Ve and Ramos to reconcile and work towards a common goal demonstrates the strength of teamwork in the pursuit of sporting success.
With Ve’s victory, there is a renewed sense of hope for his future in boxing, paving the way for greater opportunities on the international stage.
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