A significant challenge occurred in 1977 for veteran trainer John Ramos as he faced a dispute with the Professional Boxing and Wrestling Association of Fiji (PBWAF) that nearly prevented him from cornering Sakaraia Ve in his fight against Ali Afakasi. This situation is detailed in Ramos’ upcoming book, ‘Maker of Champions.’
Afakasi, a Samoan fighter based in New Zealand, was a formidable opponent for Ve, being highly rated in the Commonwealth welterweight division and viewed as a stepping stone towards Ve’s planned Commonwealth title fight. At the time of the match, Afakasi held multiple titles, including the South Seas welterweight title, having previously defeated Inia Catarogo.
Despite being suspended by PBWAF, Ramos chose to support Ve during this important bout. Following Ramos’ suspension, Ve sent an unexpected letter to PBWAF announcing that his chief trainer would not be present, a move that surprised PBWAF secretary Mumtaz Ali. Ali expressed relief that Ve realized the potential risks of sticking with Ramos during the match.
Ve clarified that their relationship remained intact, stating that they understood the necessity of Ramos not being in the corner during this crucial fight. He noted they believed the organization might reject the fight if Ramos were involved.
In a turn of events, Ramos wanted to be in Ve’s corner for the match, prompting him to apologize to PBWAF and retract his earlier criticisms. Upon receiving this apology, Ali convened a meeting that resulted in Ramos’ suspension being lifted, allowing him to coach Ve for this pivotal fight. The news was met with satisfaction from Ramos and his team.
With the support of over 300 family members who traveled from Lovoni to cheer for him, Ve ultimately claimed victory over Afakasi with a sixth-round TKO, following strong strikes that caused a cut and a nosebleed for the seasoned fighter. This win not only enhanced Ve’s reputation but also motivated PBWAF’s Ali to pursue a Commonwealth title opportunity for him.
This story of perseverance and determination demonstrates the power of teamwork and the lengths to which individuals will go to support each other in pursuit of their goals. The collaboration between Ramos and Ve under challenging circumstances showcases their commitment to success, which bodes well for Ve’s future in boxing.
Overall, the narrative of Ramos and Ve encapsulates the highs and lows of sports, emphasizing resilience, adaptability, and the potential for redemption. Such stories remind us of the human spirit’s fighting nature in the face of adversity.
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