The Golden Gloves competition organized by the Fiji Amateur Boxing Association proved to be a remarkable success, with head coach Cam Todd expressing his enthusiasm for the event. The competition, held over the weekend at the Stanley Brown Gym in Walu Bay, Suva, featured an impressive total of 30 bouts, showcasing the high caliber of boxing talent present.
Todd praised the clubs for their competitive spirit and highlighted the participation of the police boxing team, which marked their return after a long hiatus. “I was really happy with the standard; it was very good competitive bouts from all the clubs—it was special,” Todd remarked.
With the event’s growing size and popularity, Todd emphasized the necessity for a larger venue for future competitions. “I think we need to get a bigger venue for the Golden Gloves competition because it’s becoming a significant and competitive event, so we will definitely be looking for a bigger venue next year,” he stated.
As the national coach, Todd found immense value in the competition for assessing talent and preparation for future events. “The competition was great for me, as national coach, to sort out rankings and get some good boxers prepared for next year,” he noted. He expressed optimism regarding Fiji’s prospects in the upcoming Commonwealth Games, using the competition as a platform to identify promising boxers for a solid team.
Another encouraging aspect for Todd was the increased participation of female boxers, which he views as crucial for the development of the sport in Fiji. “I was also happy with the number of female athletes that took part, and we are hoping to see more female boxers next year to grow the sport in the country,” he reported.
This event not only highlighted the talent present in Fiji’s boxing community but also fostered a spirit of competitiveness and camaraderie among the participants. The outlook for the future of boxing in Fiji appears bright, particularly as more athletes, especially women, take up the sport.
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