Fiji will host a seven-nation amateur boxing meet this Friday and Saturday at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva, organisers confirmed, as the Fiji Amateur Boxing Association (FABA) rolls out its first international test for the national team this year. The Pacific Nations competition will feature fighters from sub-juniors (under-15) through to elite level, with seven countries expected to take part: Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, Australia, New Zealand, Nauru and hosts Fiji.
FABA officials say New Zealand is likely to bring the largest delegation, and organisers are planning a busy two-day card — expecting 25 to 26 bouts per day. Twenty-six gold medals will be contested across the weight divisions and age categories, guaranteeing a packed schedule and broad representation from the Pacific region.
FABA head coach Cam Todd said the tournament is an important early-season opportunity for Fiji’s national squad to measure itself against regional rivals. “We’re looking for a strong performance, so it’s good to have Samoa who is always very strong and Papua New Guinea who we haven’t really seen since the Pacific Games, but there are always tough,” Todd said. “So, I’m excited about how that’s going to go along with the large team from New Zealand. So, it’ll be good.”
Todd also highlighted an uptick in female participation at the meet, with competitors expected to include a multiple-time New Zealand national champion — listed as representing Samoa at this event — and women from Papua New Guinea who claimed gold at the 2023 Pacific Games. “There’s also an increased number of female boxers. … PNG have got a couple of female boxers who won Pacific Games gold medals in 2023. Plus a strong contingent from Fiji, so I’m excited about that,” he added, flagging the women’s divisions as among the most compelling contests.
Local clubs will supplement the national side, giving Fiji’s rising fighters exposure to international opposition across junior and senior ranks. For coaches and selectors, the event provides immediate match data ahead of other regional competitions and development pathways planned for the year.
The FMF Gymnasium is set to host the two-day spectacle, with organisers urging punctuality as back-to-back bouts are scheduled to keep the programme moving. With 26 gold medals at stake and national pride on the line for several Pacific nations, the Pacific Nations competition promises to be an early highlight on Fiji’s amateur boxing calendar.
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