Oceania gold medalist Elijah Qiokata celebrated a remarkable victory in the 70kg youth category at the Golden Gloves competition, triumphing over Joe Nesta Kolitapa at the Stan Brown Boxing Gym in Walu Bay. This success not only highlights Qiokata’s skill but also symbolizes the end of his journey in the youth category as he prepares to transition to the Elite division.
Starting his boxing career at the age of 13, Qiokata boasts an impressive background in amateur boxing. His leadership led the Fiji Amateur Boxing team to claim a gold medal at the Youth & Junior Oceania Boxing Championships in Tahiti, showcasing his talent on an international stage.
At just 18 years old, Qiokata expressed immense pride in his latest victory, noting its significance as not just a final win of the year but also a capstone to his youth boxing career. “I have come a long way fighting in amateur boxing; what I have learned over the year is to be disciplined and to test your strength in the ring,” Qiokata shared.
Inspired by his grandfather, former Fiji Welterweights Champion Marika Bola, Qiokata aims to carry on his family’s legacy of boxing excellence. The match against Kolitapa was especially competitive, with both fighters having a history of evenly matched bouts. “He has won three fights and I’ve won three; I’m really thankful to get this win because it’s the last competition of 2024,” he reflected.
Looking ahead, Qiokata is optimistic about the opportunities that await him in 2025, suggesting that he is eager to tackle new challenges in his boxing career.
This moment serves not only as a personal achievement for Qiokata but also as an inspiration for aspiring boxers in Fiji and beyond. With his dedication and talent, the future appears bright for this young athlete.
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