Boxing’s Hidden Path: The Secrets of Amateur Success Revealed

Veteran boxing trainer John Ramos emphasizes the crucial role of amateur boxing as a stepping stone for professional boxers in his new book, “Maker of Champions,” set to be launched this Saturday. In this publication, Ramos pays tribute to his mentor, Hector Hatch, a former Olympian and the Fiji amateur welterweight champion.

Ramos recalls his entry into boxing in 1962 at the Suva Youth Centre, now known as the Young Men Christian Association, where he trained under Hatch during weekly amateur competitions at the PWD Gym in Suva. The Fiji Amateur Boxing Association (FABA), founded in 1953 and linked with the Association Internationale de Boxe Amateurs, played an integral role in nurturing talent. The debut of Fijian amateur boxers on the international stage began in 1956, leading to Hatch and Thomas Schuster’s participation in the Olympic Games.

During his tenure as an administrator from 1958 until his retirement in 1992, Hatch witnessed the rise of remarkable talents, including Moses Evans and Holgar Johansen, who won bronze medals at the 1962 Commonwealth Games in Perth. Ramos notes that significant professional boxers, including Ravuama Roko and Timoci Belo, emerged from this thriving amateur boxing scene.

In the book, Ramos reflects on Hatch’s profound impact, describing him as the epitome of an amateur boxing trainer whose leadership was crucial in maintaining the sport’s prominence in Fiji. He calls for a similar dedication to revive amateur boxing today, underlining the importance of fostering grassroots talent to reinvigorate public interest in the sport.

The launch of “Maker of Champions” signifies a step toward acknowledging the rich history of boxing in Fiji and the potential for future generations to thrive in both amateur and professional arenas.

This article highlights the legacy of commitment that figures like Hatch contribute to sports. By advocating for a return to strong amateur programs, there’s hope for future generations of athletes to flourish, continuing the proud tradition of boxing in Fiji.