Junior Abhay Chand is poised to step into the boxing ring today for a highly anticipated middleweight bout against Samisoni Gonewai, representing Fiji. This match carries profound personal significance for Chand, as he follows in the footsteps of his father, a former middleweight champion from Fiji.
At just 19 years old, Chand’s enthusiasm for boxing has deep roots, having been inspired by watching his father, Abhay Chand, in the ring. “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,” Chand reflected on how his father’s influence shaped his journey into the sport.
In preparation for today’s fight, Chand has dedicated time to analyzing Gonewai’s fighting style, studying footage of his bouts from the recent 2024 Commonwealth Games. He is well aware of Gonewai’s strength and experience, admitting, “I expect a good fight because he is tough.”
Attending the fight will be Chand’s family, including his father, providing essential support during this momentous occasion, which is part of the Blue Water Boxing Promotions event at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. The excitement is palpable, with gates opening at 1 PM for local fans while international viewers can catch the action via pay-per-view on FBC’s viti.plus.
This fight represents a notable trend in the Fijian boxing scene, where local promotions are enhancing the sport’s profile and creating opportunities for emerging talents like Chand. The dedication showcased by Chand and his fellow boxers underscores the promising future of boxing in Fiji, demonstrating that passion and legacy play pivotal roles in inspiring the next generation of athletes.
As the evening approaches, there is a collective hope among boxing aficionados—not solely for individual triumphs but also for the growth and acknowledgment of Fijian boxing on the global stage. This reflects a community eager to elevate its status and proudly showcase its talent to the world.
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