Mikaele Ravalaca has claimed the WBA Oceania lightweight title following a stunning victory over Australia’s Francis Chua at the Stratum Construction Zeg Kings Boxing event. The Fijian boxer demonstrated remarkable skill, securing a technical knockout in the seventh round after delivering a series of powerful right hooks that unsettled Chua throughout the match.
The fight was characterized by a fierce back-and-forth battle, captivating the audience as both boxers exchanged aggressive blows. Chua remained relentless, pressuring Ravalaca, but suffered a near knockdown in the sixth round, narrowly evading disaster as the bell saved him from further damage.
Besides Ravalaca’s impressive title win, other matches in the event included Junior Abhay Chand, who fell to Isikeli Senidoko via a second-round knockout. Andrew Maloney also achieved a technical knockout against Pawan Kumar, leading to an early stoppage by the referee in their super bantamweight bout. Other noteworthy results included Felise Nabua losing to India’s Rohit Rohit, who claimed a victory after Nabua’s corner threw the towel in at 53 seconds into the sixth round. Keanu Nadan made a statement with a first-round knockout over Apisai Naqica, while heavyweight champion Semi Dauloloma finished Savenaca Tuiratu with a knockout in the second round.
Ravalaca’s win is especially significant as it not only boosts his own career but also represents a pivotal moment for the Fijian boxing scene. His journey reflects the growing recognition of boxing in Fiji, with hopes rising that his achievements will inspire emerging talent in the sport. As Ravalaca looks ahead to future challenges, including a scheduled bout against Runqi Zhou in May, the boxing community is optimistic about the evolving landscape of the sport in the region. Ravalaca’s triumph adds to the narrative of revival in Fijian boxing, instilling hope and motivation for the next generation of fighters.
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