LIFE AFTER SPORTS
Jerry Tuwai teams up with FMF in promoting boxing series
Double sevens rugby Olympic Games gold medallist and World Rugby Sevens Player of the Decade Jerry Tuwai, is not new to boxing.
The ardent boxing follower signed a $70,000 three-year partnership deal starting with the FMF Fiji Boxing Series contract with FMF Foods Limited chief executive officer, Sanjay Punja at their Walu Bay office in Suva last Saturday. “My father was an amateur boxer back in his days, although I’ve never seen him box, boxing is the most popular subject of discussion at home,” Tuwai told SUNsports. “We’ve watched every boxing programme on this globe. I am a fan of Manny Pacquiao while my father is a Floyd Mayweather fan. “Boxing has been a long part of my life well before rugby. This is part of my life after rugby plans, my transitioning into unknown waters.
“This is a platform for talented boxers to showcase their skills, a way of giving back to communities.”
Tuwai is also now FMF brand ambassador.
The Tuwai Investment Pte Limited first boxing programme will see classy Naitasiri boxer Jese Ravudi defends the Fiji super welterweight (69kg) title against Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Winston Hill in Suva next month.
Ravudi had won the title in 2019 after knocking out Rakuro Daunivavana in the seventh round in Nadi.
“The title has been with me for nearly four years now and no one had ever thought about having a hit at it,” Ravudi said.
“I am excited that (Jerry) Tuwai is making this possible. I am ready,” he said.
“I extend our invitation to the people of Fiji to come out in big numbers because this is a big fight with big knocks.
“Winston (Hill) is a good boxer, fans should come and witness this– be there, don’t miss your luck.” Winston on the other hand states that he hopes that Ravudi can last the 10 rounds.
“It has been a long time since this title has not been challenged, the title holder will prove whether he is going to hold on to it or let it go. “I respect him. This is good for boxing.”
In his professional boxing debut Hill knocked out Dauvavana in the second round after landing a body punch.
The second series will be held in Sigatoka in August and the third Nadi before the year ends. Promoter Alan Kumar said boxing had always been part of the sevens star’s dream.
“Now our sevens star, who has brought to us many sevens victories, is making the dreams of young aspiring boxers achieve them,” Kumar said.
“Tuwai rightly said having members of the community involved in sports make a good community, good communities make a good country and we all want that for Fiji,” he said.