Marama preps for title fight
Crafty Suva boxer Malakai Marama is training hard for the biggest fight of his life.
On February 29 at A.D. Patel in Ba, he takes on World Boxing Foundation (WBF) Australasian super welterweight champion Ronald Naidu for the vacant Fijian welterweight title.
“Never has I worked so hard in my preparations for this fight,” he said last night.
“I’ve a lot of respect for Ronald Naidu who is very experienced and someone I will not underestimate at all.”
He trains under veteran trainer Gyan Singh while Naidu is from the Mulomulo Boxing Club in Nadi.
Marama has been training with brothers Sebastian Singh and Nathan ‘The Hornet’ Singh who is fighting in one of the undercards.
“I’ve no problem in making the 66-kilogramme weight,” he added.
Marama said he wants to dedicate the fight to the three provinces- Naitasiri, Nasogoivau in Tailevu and Vunikavikaloa, Ra- that have been influential in his upbringing.
“I’ve got my own game plan for the fight and I’m ready to give my all.”
He has five profession fights with four wins and a loss.
Marama has beaten top boxers like Rakuro Daunivavana, Robin Hazleman and Sunia Dari. His only loss was a split point decision against Franco Fraser.
South Pacific Boxing Promotions promoter Freddy Chand said the title fight is going to be a cracker.
“We all know what Ronald Naidu is capable of but Malakai bring that unknown quality with him that makes this fight an interesting one,” he added.
Chand is calling on the business community if they could assist the promotion in terms of sponsorship.
He indicated they are doing all they can to help revive professional boxing in the country.
“It’s after 20 years we’re taking boxing back to Ba,” he said.
The current Fiji light heavyweight champ Savenaca Naliva is from Sorokoba while his brother Filimoni Naliva Jnr is fighting for the vacant cruiserweight title on the same programme as well.