Filise Nabua celebrated a significant milestone in his athletic career by winning his professional boxing debut at the ZEG Kings Promotion event, held at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. The 22-year-old student from Fiji National University triumphed over Ilikimi Saudromedrome with a unanimous points decision.
Despite facing an unexpected change in opponent—originally set to fight Mohammed Ali, who missed the weigh-in—Nabua remained focused and committed. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete, stating, “I like to thank God for giving me the strength to compete… I prepared really hard for it, dropping my weight from 78kg to 66.7kg.” His determination and fit condition were instrumental in his performance during the match.
Nabua dedicated his victory to the support of his coach Osea Nanovu, to whom many young boxers in the region look for guidance. Nanovu has a reputation for fostering talent among local fighters, as seen in his efforts with other promising boxers like Mikaele Ravalaca. Nabua hopes that his success in boxing will help finance his education, as he pursues his Bachelor of Education. He stated, “I hope to earn money from here to help me with my studies.”
This debut victory not only demonstrates Nabua’s potential in professional boxing but also highlights the growing scene in Fiji, encouraging emerging talents to chase their dreams. As more young athletes in Fiji gain acknowledgement on both local and international stages, there is a sense of optimism about the future of boxing in the region.
Overall, Nabua’s success serves as an inspiring reminder of what determination and hard work can achieve, motivating others in the boxing community to strives towards excellence.
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