Michael is no pushover, says ex-trainer
Jittu Boxing Stable trainer Marika Yalimaiwai believes that Matthew Michael is going to give Abhay Chand a good fight in their 10-round clash at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka on August 12. Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, Yalimaiwai said many have written Michael off because he has got three professional fights.
“In fact Michael has got more than 50 amateur fights and has also represented the country in international competitions as well,” he said.
“I trained him during his amateur boxing days so I know what he is capable of. He has good footwork and ringcraft as well, so it’s going to be good fight.
“He knows what to do in the ring and if he’s fit then it should be a thriller.”
Yalimaiwai said he was grateful to promoter Ben Krishna for giving boxers like Michael the opportunity of getting big fights.
“They’ve been looking for fights for over a year and roping them in brings a new lease of life to the sport,” he added. EXPLOSIVE BOUTS In another interesting eightround fight, stylish Mulomulo boxer Ronald Naidu takes on former Australian based Jese Ravudi. Yalimaiwai said Naidu was a promising boxer and learned a lot from his fight against Junior Chotka.
“He’ll be a much-experienced boxer and should give Ravudi a tough go as well.”
Ravudi has an impressive record of 5 wins, 2 losses and a draw in Australia.
He fought for the NSW super lightweight title against Michael Mlacic and was declared a technical draw. He’s the son of former Fiji and South Seas light heavyweight champion Joe ‘Hitman’ Ravudi.
Meanwhile, in another eight round fight former Fiji welterweight champ Pita Tabuarua returns to the ring to face hard hitting Siliveni Nawai of the Mulomulo Boxing Club in Nadi.