Boxing trainer Peteresio Ranuku has expressed concern that some top amateur boxers are being prevented from progressing to professional fights. He has reacted to comments made by Fiji’s Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo and veteran coach Osea Nanovu, who propose a return to Fiji’s dominance in Pacific boxing during the 1960s to the late 1980s. Ranuku also stressed the need for the Fiji Amateur Boxing Association (FABA) to allow the sport to grow naturally.
Ranuku claimed that FABA is asking for fees from promoters before it releases a boxer which he views as a hindrance without merit. Not all elite boxers will fight for Fiji, he stated, and questioned why FABA was holding on to them when others are managing family responsibilities or even unemployed. He condemned FABA for keeping boxers ostensibly for funds collection, terming the official stand as inappropriate.
He hoped that the newly formed FABA committee would give boxing the recognition it deserves, especially as many boxers have retired without experiencing a professional fight. He called for unity between FABA and the Boxing Commission Fiji (BCF), in line with a call made by Minister for Sports Jese Saukuru earlier.
Stressing the need for collaboration among the stakeholders, Saukuru explained that it was critical to ensure development and safety for all Fijian boxers. He also pointed out that FABA and the BCF should work together rather than take divergent paths.
Ranuku welcomes Panapasa Daunakamakama’s appointment as FABA’s president, and hopes for changes in the boxing scene. Daunakamakama supported the trainers’ concerns and expressed readiness to engage in conversations and cooperation with promoters. Manasa Baravilala, who is based in the US currently, precedes him as FABA’s president.