Adi Narayan, the chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF), has justified the decision to allow three local boxers—Sireli Navua, Ronesh Prasad, and Jonasa Kavika—to compete internationally, despite recent setbacks that included knockout losses.
Navua fought New Zealand’s Sonny Moroni, sustaining a first-round knockout, while Prasad was defeated in the second round by Zain Adams. Kavika also faced a tough match against Australian boxer Matt Lodge. In defense of these matchups, Narayan revealed that the commission carefully evaluated the fighters’ readiness, asserting that the main objective is to offer these young athletes crucial experience in the ring.
“We are very cautious when allowing these boxers to compete. They may be young, but these opportunities are vital for their growth,” Narayan remarked. He admitted that the commission may have misjudged the strength of their opponents, yet he emphasized that each bout provides essential lessons that contribute to skill enhancement.
Looking ahead, Narayan shared plans to organize four additional boxing programs this year, including a Bluewater Boxing Promotion event in May, followed by more events in July, September, and November, featuring international fighters. This initiative highlights the BCF’s commitment to showcasing local talent and developing the boxing scene in Fiji.
Previously, Narayan has underscored the importance of inclusivity in the sport, ensuring that boxers of all experience levels have chances to compete. This approach is designed to create an environment where emerging talents can challenge themselves, paving the way for potentially thrilling matchups in the future.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming events, there is optimism that these initiatives will cultivate new talents and rejuvenate boxing in Fiji, encouraging a new generation of fighters to realize their potential in the sport.
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