Oceania gold medalist Elijah Qiokata celebrated a significant victory in the 70kg youth category at the Golden Gloves competition, defeating Joe Nesta Kolitapa at the Stan Brown Boxing Gym in Walu Bay yesterday. This win not only highlights Qiokata’s skill but also marks the end of his career in the youth category as he prepares to transition to the Elite category.
Qiokata, who began boxing at the age of 13, has demonstrated impressive commitment and talent throughout his amateur boxing journey. He notably led the Fiji Amateur Boxing team at the Youth & Junior Oceania Boxing Championships in Tahiti, contributing to the team’s achievement of a gold medal for the country.
At just 18 years old, Qiokata expressed his pride in this victory, emphasizing that it held special meaning as his final win of both the year and in the youth category. “I have come a long way in amateur boxing. What I have learned over the years is discipline and testing your strength in the ring,” Qiokata stated.
The young boxer draws inspiration from his grandfather, Marika Bola, a former Fiji Welterweights Champion, fueling his aspirations to uphold the family legacy of boxing excellence. Reflecting on his match against Kolitapa, Qiokata acknowledged their long history as opponents, noting that both have each won three matches against one another, which made this victory particularly meaningful. “I’m really thankful to get this win, because it’s the last competition of the year 2024,” he added.
Looking ahead, Qiokata is optimistic about the opportunities that await him in 2025, signaling a hopeful future for both himself and the boxing scene in Fiji.
This victory not only brings personal satisfaction for Qiokata but also shines a spotlight on the emerging talent in Fijian boxing. As Qiokata transitions to the Elite category, fans and supporters can look forward to witnessing his continued growth and potential success in his boxing career.
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