Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo believes Fiji has the potential to train boxers capable of becoming world champions. As a former boxer himself, Justice Temo expressed his optimism while presenting the Leweni Waqa-Memorial Heavyweight Championship title to Semi Dauloloma, recalling a time when Fiji dominated boxing in the Pacific region.
“We can do it again,” he affirmed.
Fiji has a rich history in boxing, having produced notable fighters like Ledua Vere, Alipate Korovou, Sakaraia Ve, Jo Keresi, Esala Vula, Subash Chand, Basdeo, Joji Ramasima, Jo Qoro, and Veramu Dikidikilati. These boxers excelled in the sport, particularly from the 1960s until the late 1980s.
However, recent results have highlighted a decline in Fiji’s boxing standards, which has led to underwhelming performances by athletes on the international stage. Justice Temo, after observing the match between Dauloloma and James Singh, was inspired by their fighting spirit.
Justice Temo also noted the successes of Samoa’s boxers on the world stage, referencing Joseph Parker’s victory in Saudi Arabia and Jai Opetaia’s recent IBF cruiserweight title win.
“If they can do it, we can do it,” he insisted. “Each boxer has potential, Fiji has potential. Many don’t realize it, but I have seen it here.”