A recent revelation from veteran trainer John Ramos’ upcoming book, “Maker of Champions,” sheds light on a significant controversy that nearly prevented him from coaching boxer Sakaraia Ve during his critical 1977 match against Ali Afakasi. This match marked a pivotal moment in Ve’s career, as Afakasi, who hailed from Samoa but was based in New Zealand, was seen as an important stepping stone towards a Commonwealth title.
At the time, Afakasi was a respected fighter in the Commonwealth’s welterweight division, having won the South Seas welterweight title in 1974 and holding additional titles in New Zealand. His experience and record, which stood at 27-5-1, placed him as a formidable opponent against Ve, who had a record of 17-1-0.
Ramos’ involvement in the fight was complicated by a suspension from the Professional Boxing and Wrestling Association of Fiji (PBWAF), which prompted a letter from Ve making clear that his chief trainer would not be in his corner for the fight. This unexpected move reportedly surprised PBWAF’s secretary, Mumtaz Ali.
Despite the complications, Ve expressed that the separation didn’t signify the end of his partnership with Ramos. As the fight loomed closer, the two had discussions about the implications of Ramos’ suspension, especially given the importance of the match for Ve’s career. To secure Ramos’ presence, he ultimately decided to apologize to PBWAF formally and retract previous statements made against the association, leading to the lifting of his suspension.
The fight attracted significant attention, drawing over 300 supporters from Ve’s hometown to cheer him on. In a decisive bout, Ve triumphed over Afakasi, achieving victory via technical knockout in the sixth round after landing powerful blows that caused visible injury to Afakasi.
Following this win, Ramos indicated that this success could potentially pave the way for Ve to contend for a Commonwealth title, with PBWAF eager to engage with the British Boxing Board of Control to explore this possibility.
This story not only highlights the challenges faced by athletes and their coaches but also the determination to overcome obstacles in pursuit of excellence in sports. It underscores the importance of teamwork, resilience, and the willingness to mend relationships for a common goal. As Ve’s journey continues, there is hope that his achievements will inspire future generations of boxers in Fiji and beyond.
In summary, a crucial confrontation between trainer John Ramos and the PBWAF led to a surprising but ultimately productive resolution, enabling Sakaraia Ve to secure a significant victory and potentially advance his boxing career.
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