Boxing legend awarded for 20 years of immense contribution

FIJI’S “Golden Boy” of boxing Sakaraia Ve was awarded the 50th independence anniversary medal at the State House yesterday.

President Jioji Konrote awarded the medal to the Lovoni, Ovalau, native for his immense contribution to the nation in the sporting arena.

Speaking to this newspaper, Ve said while he had been bestowed the honour, the medal was “for all those who worked tirelessly to lift the standard of boxing in Fiji”.

He said he began his boxing career as an amateur in 1973 and fought his way to the pinnacle of the sport right through to the late 1980s.

Ve said for 20 years he had worked hard to try to make a name in boxing — not just for himself but also for the pride of the nation.

“It was a tough battle trying to stay at the top but I did it for my country,” he said.

“Being a recipient of this medal is probably a good thing, it will let the people know that I am still here because some people thought I had passed away.”

He said during the independence celebration on October 10, 1970, he was a young boy in Suva trying to figure out what his future would be.

Ve thanked Boxing Fiji president Manasa Baravilala for his continued support personally for the sport and thanked The Fiji Times for highlighting his journey through his boxing.

“I think there is still a lot that needs to be done about boxing in Fiji, we need the funds and the resources in order to move the sport forward.”

Ve was awarded the medal alongside another boxing great, Alipate Korovou.