Iokimi Navuasese has honored his late coach, Ubaiyd Haider (formerly known as Nathan Singh), with a poignant victory in the boxing ring. The 15-year-old athlete triumphed by unanimous decision against Garica Bonnaci of Victoria during their match at the Captain Stan Brown Boxing Gym in Walu Bay, Suva, yesterday.
Navuasese, who began his boxing journey at the age of 12 under the guidance of Haider’s father, Gyan Singh, expressed deep gratitude for his coach’s impact on his training and development. He dedicated his fight to Haider, acknowledging the profound influence he had on young boxers like himself. “This fight was for my late coach Ubaiyd Haider, and it is dedicated to him,” Navuasese stated. He also shared that he had been advised about the Australians’ fitness and skill level prior to the fight, prompting him to rely on his boxing IQ to compensate for his own fitness concerns.
Reflecting on the match, Navuasese noted, “I knew that I’ve won by points in the first and second rounds, and by the third, I was feeling tired, but the thought of my late coach pushed me to finish the fight.” The promising young boxer has set his sights on representing Fiji at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
In addition to his recent victory, Navuasese also earned a gold medal in the 57kg category at the 2024 Youth & Junior Oceania Boxing Championships held in Tahiti in July. The competition at Walu Bay features a total of 28 bouts and includes junior and youth boxers from Victoria, Australia. The event is scheduled to conclude today at the Nausori District School ground. National coach Cam Todd has also mentioned that a team of boxers from New Zealand will be arriving in two weeks, followed by the Golden Gloves Championship on December 13-14.
As the competition continues to unfold, the results so far include notable performances from other young boxers, highlighting the vibrant boxing scene in the region.
This story showcases not only the resilience and dedication of young athletes but also the powerful legacies left by mentors and coaches. Navuasese’s journey serves as an inspiration to budding boxers and a reminder of the importance of honoring those who guide them in their pursuits.
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