Elijah Qiokata, an OCEANIA gold medalist, celebrated a remarkable victory in the 70kg youth boxing category during the Golden Gloves competition held at Stan Brown Boxing Gym in Walu Bay. He defeated Joe Nesta Kolitapa, marking a significant milestone as this achievement concludes his youth boxing career and signifies his transition to the Elite category.
Beginning his boxing journey at just 13 years old, Qiokata has built a commendable resume in Amateur Boxing. He successfully led the Fiji Amateur Boxing team to a gold medal at the Youth & Junior Oceania Boxing Championships in Tahiti, showcasing his dedication and skill in the sport.
At the age of 18, Qiokata felt immense pride in this victory, especially as it was his final win of the year and his youth career. He shared insights on his experience, emphasizing the importance of discipline and the ability to assess one’s strength in the ring.
Inspired by his grandfather, Marika Bola, a former Fiji Welterweights Champion, Qiokata is determined to uphold his family’s legacy of boxing excellence. Reflecting on the intense competition with Kolitapa, whom he has faced multiple times, he acknowledged the difficulty of the match, stating, “He has won three fights and I have won three. I’m really thankful to get this win, because it’s the last competition of the year 2024.”
Looking ahead, Qiokata is optimistic about the opportunities that await him in 2025, ready to take on the Elite category and continue his boxing journey.
This story not only highlights Qiokata’s latest triumph but also serves as an inspiring tale of perseverance, legacy, and the potential that lies ahead for young athletes stepping into the next phase of their careers.
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