MONDAY NIGHT FIGHTS: NO SHORTCUT, BOXERS TOLD
Coach Vilive Roko has given his time to train Sorokoba boxers. He never took part in the sport but he saw the interest in the young boys and decided to step in.
Sorokoba used to be the breeding ground of boxing champions including former heavyweights Filimone Naliva and Vuniivi Nadumu.
Roko aims to revive the sport and taking part in the Fiji Amateur Boxing Association’s Monday Night Fights at the Stan Brown Fitness Centre in Walu Bay, Suva is the way forward.
“Most of these boys are cane-cutters and do not have a job, but they have the passion for boxing,” he said.
“I am not a boxer, I just started training them when I saw their interest in the sport
“We are trying to train these boys to be like Naliva and Nadumu but amateur boxing is the way forward for Sorokoba young guns.”
Roko has also sought assistance to be provided to boxers outside Suva. “These boys do not train in gyms and only box at the village hall. They also do not have proper training equipment to assist in their preparation.
Roko also added that another challenge was financing their own way to Suva during the Monday Night Fights.
Vatukoula boxer wins
Meanwhile, lone Vatukoula boxer, Tevita Dagoya, put on a show on Monday night.
The 25-year old Nabobuco, Naitasiri native won his first fight after missing out on the first two competitions.
He beat Jone Navale of Navosa Boxing Club on points.
“I did not expect to come and win, I just wanted to give it a try,” he said. “This is a good experience for me, I came alone from Vatukoula without my coach and not even my parents know that I came to the competition.
“I only run, and do a bit of sparring, hitting the sand bag, no proper gloves.
“My interest in boxing started when the Fiji National Sports Commission came to advocate on the need to revive boxing in Vatukoula. “I now look forward to my next fight,” Dagoya added.