The chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF), Adi Narayan, has defended the decision to allow three local boxers—Sireli Navua, Ronesh Prasad, and Jonasa Kavika—to participate in international fights in New Zealand and Australia, despite their recent knockout losses.
Navua faced New Zealand’s Sonny Moroni and was knocked out in the first round, while Prasad suffered a second-round knockout against Zain Adams. Kavika also faced defeat against Matt Lodge during their bout in Australia. Narayan stated that the commission thoroughly considered the boxers’ readiness for international competition, emphasizing that the primary goal was to provide these young fighters with valuable experience.
“We are very careful in releasing these boxers; despite being young, they are given opportunities to learn in the ring,” Narayan explained, acknowledging that the commission may have underestimated the strength of their opponents. He believes that every experience is a lesson leading to improvement in their skills.
Looking ahead, Narayan announced plans for four more boxing programs throughout the year, including a Bluewater Boxing Promotion event in May, as well as additional programs in July, September, and November featuring international fighters. This ongoing commitment to showcase local talent reflects the BCF’s dedication to enhancing the boxing scene in Fiji.
Previously, Narayan has expressed a commitment to inclusivity within the sport, ensuring that all boxers, regardless of experience, have opportunities to compete. This philosophy aims to foster an environment where emerging talents can test their abilities, potentially leading to exciting matchups in the future.
As boxing fans await these upcoming events, there’s a sense of hope that these initiatives will nurture new talents and invigorate the sport in Fiji, encouraging a generation of fighters to step into the ring and fulfill their potential.
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