Fiji’s boxing scene is experiencing significant growth, as noted by one of the country’s leading fighters, Ubayd Haider. He has observed the sport’s evolution firsthand, and he believes that the future looks bright for Fijian boxing.
Local champions are making their mark on the international stage, and a new generation of amateur talent is emerging. “People don’t realize it, but the standard of boxing in Fiji has grown tremendously,” stated Haider. He emphasized that local fighters are regularly competing against top international opponents and performing admirably.
Haider pointed to the successes of athletes like Winston Hill, who has gained recognition for his performances abroad, and noted the achievements of Fiji’s amateur boxing teams in recent competitions. “Our amateur teams are bringing home medals from major competitions like the Youth Games and Commonwealth Games. It’s something we couldn’t do for many years,” he remarked.
An exciting aspect of the Fijian boxing scene is the rise of young female fighters, particularly Jasmine Daunakamakama, who is garnering attention for her exceptional skills and technique. “Jasmine has a textbook amateur style, something rare even among male fighters,” said Haider. He added that it is important for more women to follow the amateur pathway before moving on to professional boxing.
As Fiji continues to foster its boxing talent, the outlook for the sport in the country appears promising. With local athletes proving their capabilities internationally and a fresh wave of talent coming up through the amateur ranks, boxing in Fiji is advancing in the right direction.