Ray Galoa, a promising welterweight amateur boxer, had just celebrated his 21st birthday and was enjoying a successful season with six wins out of seven fights, as reported in an article from August 2, 1982. With boxing deeply rooted in his family, Ray established the Navatu Boxing Club in the Kinoya area, confident about securing a spot on the Fiji team for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.
His impressive record included victories over notable boxers such as Joseva Nakui and Viliame Lesu, who were both participants in the 1979 South Pacific Games trials. Additionally, he had previously beaten Balawabilo, an experienced and powerful fighter. Galoa’s only setback that year came against Sivi Tuatane, an international amateur champion from New Caledonia. Despite dominating the match and leading on points, Galoa was taken aback when the local referee awarded the fight to Tuatane, a decision that led to an outcry from his camp, resulting in manager Inoke Qarau being incarcerated in New Caledonia.
As Galoa aimed for a spot on the Fiji boxing team for the Commonwealth Games in September, he expressed confidence in his ability to succeed. “I see no boxer in my division right now who’ll stop me from going to Brisbane,” he stated, noting that he anticipated competition from Atonio Tui, the welterweight gold medalist from Tahiti, and Canadian Golden Glove fighter Netani Gucake.
Galoa’s journey into boxing began as a means of self-defense, but encouragement from friends led him to pursue the sport at a competitive level. He comes from a family with a rich boxing legacy. His uncle, Semi Galoa, was regarded as one of the most technically skilled boxers of the early 1950s before his tragic death in the ring at the age of 23. Ray’s father, Lorima Cokanasiga, was also a notable light heavyweight, competing in three championship bouts during the mid-1940s.
Initially training at Charman’s Club in Suva, Galoa struggled to find sparring partners, prompting him to gather local youth to form the Navatu Boxing Club. As he prepared for an important fight the following night, Galoa was hopeful for his first victory of 1982 to bolster his chances in the forthcoming Commonwealth Games. A boxing enthusiast had touted him as a potential medal contender for the South Pacific Games, though the competition from other Commonwealth nations remained uncertain. Galoa’s strength, toughness, and fighting style were noted in the article, as he entered the trials to refine his skills for the challenges ahead, aiming for medal success.