Fijiana 7s representative Sera Bolatini is set to make history as she steps into the boxing ring on July 19 at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. Bolatini will become the first Fijian female boxer to compete for a title in Fiji when she faces Connie Chan for the Super Welter WBA Oceania title. Originally, Bolatini did not plan on switching from rugby to boxing, but she recognizes this as an incredible opportunity to learn and grow in a new sport.
“I didn’t know and it wasn’t part of my plan to take up boxing because I play rugby sevens. However, this is a good opportunity to step into the ring and learn as much as I can,” she stated with optimism.
The Kings Boxing Promotions event will feature a total of 22 boxers across 11 fights, offering fans an exciting night of entertainment available on pay-per-view for $99. Alongside Bolatini’s match, other notable bouts will include Junior Binnu Singh against Australia’s Runqi Zhou for the first-ever WBA title fight held in Fiji, a highly anticipated heavyweight title match between James Singh and Semi Dauloloma, and additional competitive fights showcasing local talent.
The involvement of stakeholders, including the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation, indicates strong support for this event, which promotes the growth of boxing in Fiji. Promoter Nahroon Buksh hopes that events like this will elevate the sport’s popularity, creating more opportunities for local boxers. This aligns with recent sentiments expressed by figures such as WBA Oceania President Ferlin Marsh, who is optimistic about the potential for future title fights and the development of boxing in the region.
As the boxing community in Fiji rallies around this momentous occasion, there is a palpable sense of hope and excitement, pointing towards a brighter future for the sport and its athletes. Bolatini’s participation and the event itself could fuel further ambitions for female boxers in Fiji, signaling a step forward for gender representation in the sport.
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