In a historic first for Fiji, an all-women’s boxing team from Victoria, Australia, is competing in the Fiji Amateur Boxing for Junior, Youth, and Women competitions at the Vashist Muni Memorial Primary School Hall in Navua. The eight-member squad, which includes a mix of junior, youth, and elite fighters, is facing off against local female boxers from the Navua region.
Fiji’s National Boxing Coach, Cam Todd, expressed his enthusiasm about this groundbreaking event. “This may be the first time in Fiji’s history that we have an all-women’s team coming from Victoria,” Todd stated. “They brought eight boxers, some juniors, some youths, and a couple of elites, all competing against our local girls.”
In addition to the competitive aspect, the event serves as a fundraiser for the local boxing club that is hosting the tournament. “We wanted to help raise some funds for their club,” Todd explained. He highlighted that many of the female boxers participating are from the local area, ensuring strong home support.
The tournament features a total of 25 bouts, including eight international matches. “There’s a total of 25 fights, and the international boxers will face different opponents from Fiji tomorrow,” Todd confirmed.
Todd remains focused on advancing women’s boxing in Fiji. “My primary aim is to develop women’s boxing. I want to encourage more women of all ages to participate in amateur boxing,” he remarked. He has collaborated with friends in the boxing community in Australia to bring the state team to Fiji for developmental purposes.
Impressed by the talent emerging in Fiji, Todd noted, “I make it a point to attend every tournament and make observations about young boxers starting from the age of nine. Fiji has immense talent in amateur boxing, and the athletes are passionate about the sport.”
The young boxers in Fiji are already making a name for themselves. “We have boys and girls aged 9 to 10 years who would excel against their counterparts in New Zealand,” he said with enthusiasm. “This is my home now.”
The competition resumes today at 1 p.m., and Todd encouraged the community to attend. “Come out and support your local boxers. It will be a fantastic day of boxing.”
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