Former boxer punches the land
FORMER South Seas Light Heavy Weight Champion, Jale Ligavai knocked out opponents with his strong punches during his young days.
But today, his boxing ring is the piece of land he plants yaqona and dalo on.
"I took up boxing as a hobby and became a champion but living in the village as a farmer is the real deal," Ligavai said.
Once Fiji boxing’s Golden Boy Sakaraia Ve's sparring partner, Ligavai from Lovoni, Ovalau believes a person with strong hands (ligakaukauwa) must prove his worth by tilling the land.
Ligavai was chosen as Lovoni district's "Farmer of the Year" during a competition held two weeks ago on Ovalau.
The man who has defeated boxing greats like Mosese Sorovi and Nat Ledua, wants to take
advantage of the increase in yaqona price and prove that one doesn't need to be in the city to earn a living and take good care of the family.
"Before I went into boxing and achieved many successes I was a farmer. This is nothing new, just a change of focus. Boxing was for past time. I am a farmer," he said.
"I was invited to train in Vancouver, Canada under the tutelage of boxing great "Sugar" Ray Leonard but I turned the offer down because I felt I was needed more in the village. Now, after all my boxing's glory days I understand that what it means to be a kai Lovoni (a person from Lovoni)," he said.
"To be a kai Lovoni means to be brave and strong. It also means to be committed to family unity."
Ligavai said he was happy to have been chosen as Lovoni's "farmer of the year".
"It shows that my hard work has been recognised. It gives me the urge to work even harder and stay committed."
Ligavai, a descendant of Lovoni priests (bête) who warned of warfare and interceded with the gods from Mount Korolevu, on Ovalau during olden day Fiji, never regrets moving back to the village after throwing in the boxing towel.
"There is a time for everything. I was a champion boxer when I was young and I gave it my all. In my twilight years, my calling has changed. It is here in the village, with my people and with the land. I've got to give it my all too."