Junior Abhay Chand is set to step into the boxing ring today for a middleweight clash against Samisoni Gonewai, representing Fiji. This match holds significant personal value for Chand, as he follows in the footsteps of his father, a former middleweight champion from Fiji.
At just 19 years old, Chand’s passion for boxing was ignited during his childhood, spurred on by the inspiration of his father, Abhay Chand. “My father motivated me since I grew up watching him do boxing. I started getting interested and, when I came of age, my dad trained me,” he shared.
To prepare for today’s fight, Chand has meticulously analyzed his opponent’s strengths, watching footage of Gonewai’s bouts from the 2024 Commonwealth Games. He acknowledges that Gonewai is a formidable opponent with a wealth of amateur experience, stating, “I expect a good fight because he is tough.”
Chand’s family, including his father, will be present to cheer him on during this pivotal match, which is part of the Blue Water Boxing Promotions event at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. The gates are set to open at 1 PM, with the excitement further amplified as overseas viewers can catch the action via pay-per-view on FBC’s viti.plus.
This event is part of a growing trend in Fiji’s boxing scene, with local promotions boosting the sport’s popularity and providing platforms for emerging talents like Chand. The determination he and his peers demonstrate is a testament to the bright future of boxing in Fiji, showing that passion and legacy continue to inspire the next generation of fighters.
As the fight unfolds tonight, there remains a shared hope in the boxing community—not just for personal victories, but for the elevation and recognition of Fijian boxing on larger platforms.
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