Sonny Morini returns to Fijian soil tonight determined to add another win to his long professional résumé when he meets Nadroga’s Kaliova Tahikia in the welterweight division at the 2026 ZEG Boxing Promotion at Vodafone Arena, Suva.
Morini arrives with 42 professional fights to his name — a record of 32 wins and 10 losses — and told reporters he has been in an extended fight camp preparing specifically for Tahikia. “My preparation has been good. I’ve been in fight camp for a long time. I’ve just come off another fight and I’m getting straight into the next one,” Morini said, underlining his desire for activity and momentum. The New Zealand-based fighter also reiterated his preferred finish: “I’m always aiming for a knockout — that’s the goal. But whether it comes or not, a win is what matters.”
Opposite him stands the energetic southpaw Kaliova Tahikia, who is early in his professional career with six bouts — three wins, two losses and one draw. Morini described Tahikia as “a good fighter, a southpaw full of energy,” but said his own focus remains inward. “Skills-wise, I don’t focus too much on his abilities. I’m just trying to be the best version of myself going into the fight,” he said.
The match represents Morini’s second outing on Fijian soil after he captured the NZPBC Welterweight title in November 2025, defeating Mohammed Ali. That win marked a recent high point in Morini’s career and sets the scene for tonight’s fight as he seeks to build on that achievement and maintain his form in the lead-up to further opportunities in the region.
Morini emphasised he wants to put on an entertaining show for local fans and issued a call to support the sport: “I’m looking forward to putting on a good show and having a good fight with him. I hope he’s well-trained and prepared for a good fight. And to all the supporters — please come out in numbers and support boxing. Let the best man win.” His remarks highlight the promotional drive behind the ZEG Boxing event to reinvigorate local interest in professional boxing.
The contrasting profiles — Morini’s extensive ring experience versus Tahikia’s relative infancy as a pro — frame tonight’s contest as both a test for the veteran and an opportunity for the Nadroga fighter to raise his stock. With Morini openly pursuing a stoppage and Tahikia expected to bring energy and southpaw angles, tonight’s bout will be watched closely by local supporters and regional boxing followers alike as an indicator of Morini’s trajectory after his NZPBC title victory and of Tahikia’s readiness for higher-profile opposition.
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