Mikaele Ravalaca Jnr, the newly crowned lightweight champion of Fiji, is determined to embrace any challenge that comes his way, as long as the financial compensation is right. The 21-year-old Ra native emphatically made this statement following his impressive second-round knockout victory over Mohammed Ali at the Vodafone Arena in Suva during the Bluewater Boxing Promotion event on Saturday night.
Promoter Samir Khan has already announced plans to bring in Runqi Zhou, the IBO Asia Pacific super featherweight champion, for a match against Ravalaca in May. Ravalaca expressed his readiness to take on Zhou, saying, “I’ll fight him anytime. It’s all about business…” This willingness to face tough opponents showcases his ambition to further solidify his position in the boxing community.
During the bout against Ali, Ravalaca demonstrated his skill and control, leading to the referee stopping the fight just 45 seconds into the second round after Ali fell twice. Ravalaca remarked that he could have concluded the fight earlier but chose to extend it for the benefit of the spectators who had paid to see an engaging match.
He did not just focus on his victory, but also shared a message to the youth, encouraging them to enter the boxing world and steer clear of drugs. Ravalaca highlighted the positive impact boxing can have on discipline and mindset.
Ali, displaying sportsmanship, has expressed interest in a rematch at the 66-kilogram weight class, indicating his readiness to challenge Ravalaca again after facing a weight drop for this recent fight.
Ravalaca’s victory represents not just a personal triumph but also a significant milestone for the Fijian boxing scene. His journey reflects a growing interest and talent in the sport, encouraging young athletes to pursue their dreams. The boxing landscape in Fiji is evolving, and Ravalaca’s achievements are a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring boxers.
In anticipation of the upcoming bout with Zhou, the excitement surrounding Ravalaca suggests a bright future not only for him but also for boxing in Fiji, as he continues to embrace challenges and inspire the next generation of fighters.
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