‘The Stopper’ from PNG here to test rising Naliva
Fijian light heavyweight champion Savenaca Naliva is expected to own three titles if he beats Papua New Guinea’s John Korake at the A.D Patel College ground in Ba on Saturday.
This was after South Pacific Boxing Promotions promoter Freddy Chand confirmed in Suva on Friday that the World Boxing Foundation’s (WBF) Asia Pacific title and the New Zealand’s Pro Pacific title will be stake during the 10-round fight.
“It’s going to be winner taking it all,” Chand said.
“So far, Naliva has the Fiji light heavyweight title and if he beats Korake then both the titles will be added to his cabinet, making it three altogether.”
However, Korake will be no pushover. He is the Oceania light heavyweight champion and has been regarded as one of PNG’s promising boxers after the great Johnny Aba who was the Commonwealth featherweight champion in the 1980s. Korake is dubbed ‘The Stopper’ Aba twice successfully defended the Commonwealth title in Suva where he beat Wili Tarika on points.
In December 1, last year, Korake narrowly missed out on winning the World Boxing Council Asian Boxing Council Silver light heavyweight title after a controversial point loss to Chaloemporn Sawatsuk of Thailand.
Chand said this is Naliva’s big test as a win over Korake opens up a lot of opportunities for him in the boxing world.
“We’re grateful to Naliva and his team for taking on the challenge. “After his win over Joseph Kwadjo, the region is starting to take notice of him and now he is about to go one step further.”
The SPBP has indicated that the official weigh-in will be held at 12 midday Friday, beside the town’s Ba Police Post.
The fight tickets are $30 ring side, $20 centre stadium, $15 pavillion and $10 (1 year to 13 with ID).
The tickets are sold at Sunshine Minimart, Ba; Wester Builders head office in Ba and Lales Fried Chicken outlets in Nadi and Lautoka.
Chand has called on boxing fans to buy their tickets early to avoid any disappointment on fight day.
“This is after 20 years, professional boxing has finally returned to Ba,” he added.