Iokimi Navuasese, a 15-year-old boxer, has dedicated his recent victory to his late coach, Ubaiyd Haider, also formerly known as Nathan Singh, who passed away earlier this month. Navuasese secured a unanimous decision win against Victoria’s Garica Bonnaci during a match at the Captain Stan Brown Boxing Gym in Walu Bay, Suva.
Having begun his boxing journey at the age of 12, Navuasese was initially trained by Haider’s father, Gyan Singh. He expressed his deep gratitude towards Haider’s contributions to boxing and youth training, stating, “This fight was for my late coach, Ubaiyd Haider, and it is dedicated to him.” Before the match, he acknowledged concerns regarding the fitness and skill of his Australian opponent but relied on his boxing intellect, overcoming fatigue by drawing inspiration from his late coach.
Navuasese has lofty ambitions, aiming to represent Fiji in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. His talent was also highlighted earlier this year when he won a gold medal in the 57kg category at the 2024 Youth & Junior Oceania Boxing Championships in Tahiti.
The competition at Walu Bay features a total of 28 bouts involving junior and youth boxers from Victoria, Australia, with events concluding today at the Nausori District School ground. National coach Cam Todd announced that a team of New Zealand boxers would arrive in two weeks, followed by the Golden Gloves Championship scheduled for December 13-14.
This event is not only a testament to Navuasese’s perseverance and talent but also serves as a reminder of the impact of mentorship in sports. Despite challenging circumstances, the passion for boxing and the legacy of coaching continues to inspire young athletes.
Overall, the event showcases the growing talent in Fijian boxing and sets the stage for future competitions that encourage youth involvement in sports. As the fights continue, there is an air of excitement and potential for emerging champions in the region.
Results from the bouts include:
– Sub Junior Girls: Ana Vaela defeated Leba Arieta by Referee Stopped Contest (RSC) in Round 2.
– Sub-Junior Boys: Anare Malo lost to Rusiate Jnr by points, while Yee On won against Iowane Lui by RSC in Round 2.
– International Bout: Jone Fatiaki won against Iowane Rauli by RSC in Round 2, and Iokimi Navuasese triumphed over Garrica Bonnaci by points, 3-0.
– Elite 71-75kg: Nathan Long defeated Serupepeli by points, 3-0.
This article reflects the promising future of boxing in Fiji, fueled by the determination of its young athletes and the legacies left by their mentors.
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