Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo believes that Fiji has the potential to train and produce world champion boxers. Temo, a former boxer himself, expressed his faith in Fiji’s boxing talent as he presented the Leweni Waqa-Memorial Heavyweight Championship title to Semi Dauloloma.
Temo referenced the past when Fiji was a leading force in the Pacific’s boxing scene, producing champions like Ledua Vere, Alipate Korovou, Sakaraia Ve, Jo Keresi, Esala Vula, Subash Chand, Basdeo, Joji Ramasima, Jo Qoro and Veramu Dikidikilati. This dominance spanned from the 1960s to the late 1980s.
However, recent results tell the story of Fiji’s decline in boxing, marked by deteriorating standards which have resulted in sending athletes abroad, who then deliver subpar performances.
After watching a match between Dauloloma and James Singh, Temo said he recognized the spirit necessary for success. He highlighted how Samoa had two boxers on the world stage, including Joseph Parker who won the WBO interim belt in Saudi Arabia in March, and last month’s Jai Opetaia, the winner of the vacant IBF cruiserweight title.
Temo underscored the potential he sees in each Fijian boxer, affirming that “If they can do it, we can do it.”