Chand to do Navosa proud
Veteran middleweight boxer Abhay Chand carries the hopes of the people of Navosa as he faces Tevita Ligaitukana in the main bout of the Kiran Boxing Promotions at Tilak High School hall, Lautoka tonight.
Chand, 38, is after a title fight next year and a win over Ligaitukuna is a step closer to this dream.
“I’m looking forward to a title fight next year,” Chand said. “It’s great to have Tevita back and he’s out to prove himself. Boxing is an art and a sport but I wish to do my talking in the ring but this does not take away our friendship from those good old amateur days.” Chand was in top form as he tipped the scale at 71.5 kilogrammes during the official weigh-in in Lautoka yesterday while Ligaitukuna failed to make the weight limit.
It’s understood that negotiations involving both camps and the Boxing Commission of Fiji officials took place where they finally reached a compromise. Chand said preparation has been going well.
“Fighting for my province of Navosa is always an honour. Once again I hope the result will be in my favour.”
Chand has fought 38 professional fights, with 19 wins (12 KOs), 15 losses (11 KOs) and four draws. Ligaitukana who is fighting out of the Jittu Boxing Stable, lost to Chand in 2010 in Nadi by knockout and hopes to turn the table around. The 40-year-old earlier told this newspaper that he is determine to show who the real champion is. Promoter Ben Krishna said they’re there to promote the sport in the suagr city.
“There should be equal promotion of sports in Lautoka but this has been overlooked by promoters in the past,” he said.
“Back in Fiji’s boxing history Lautoka was also the mecca of local boxing.”
Lautoka was known to have produced top boxers like Luke ‘Yasawa Connection’ Tui, Aisea Ravula, Jale Fotu, Jeremaia Tadu, Akuila Naidu, Joeli ‘Sweet Sugar’ Sauqaqa, Saula Monovesi, Niko Degei, Silio Tiko and the list goes on. Tonight’s event is sponsored by Parvati Catering and supported by Kiran Palace, Kiran Bottle Shop, Hotel Martintar and KK’s Hardware.