Iokimi Navuasese, a promising 15-year-old boxer, dedicated his recent victory to his late coach, Ubaiyd Haider, who passed away earlier this month. Navuasese won his match against Garica Bonnaci from Victoria by unanimous decision at the Captain Stan Brown Boxing Gym in Walu Bay, Suva.
Navuasese, who began boxing at the age of 12, was initially trained by Haider’s father, Gyan Singh. He spoke emotionally about his late coach, stating, “This fight was for my late coach Ubaiyd Haider, and it is dedicated to him. He contributed so much to boxing and was instrumental in training young boxers like myself.”
Before the fight, Navuasese was informed that his Australian opponent was known for being fit and skilled, which prompted him to rely on his boxing intelligence, as he felt his own fitness was lacking. Despite experiencing fatigue in the later rounds, he drew strength from the memory of his coach, motivating him to persevere and secure the win.
Navuasese has ambitious aspirations, aiming to represent Fiji at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He also recently earned a gold medal in the 57kg category during the 2024 Youth & Junior Oceania Boxing Championships held in Tahiti.
The matchup between the youth and junior boxers is part of a two-day international competition that includes 28 bouts. The event features fighters from Victoria, Australia, and will conclude today at the Nausori District School ground. Additionally, a team of boxers from New Zealand is expected to arrive in two weeks, leading up to the Golden Gloves Championship scheduled for December 13-14.
As the competition continues, the results thus far include notable victories for both sub-junior and elite boxers.
This uplifting story not only highlights a young athlete’s commitment to honoring a mentor but also showcases the growth of boxing in Fiji, with promising talents emerging who aim for international fame on grand platforms like the Olympics. It emphasizes the importance of mentorship in sports and the lasting impact coaches have on their athletes’ lives and careers.
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