Seva wants to fight Singh Athletics Fiji groom future prospects

ONE of Fiji’s best pound for pound professional heavyweight boxers has came out of retirement looking for another bout in the ring.

Nasau, Moce, Lau native Sevanaia Vakacegu has issued a challenge to any Fijian heavyweight boxer to take up his offer.

“Especially James Singh,” Vakacegu, 48, said.

“I challenge James Singh to take up my offer because he said in the media that no other heavyweight boxer in Fiji can beat him. I am here James, come and fight me.

“If you are a real beast as you say your name is, come and meet a farmer such as me. You don’t just beat few boxers and say you the champion, you should clean up all the boxers in the heavyweight division. We have not met, come fight me anywhere, anytime. I am ready.”

Singh holds the title after beating Jonasa Kavika in Sigatoka two years ago.

Kavika is from the renowned Fijian boxing family of Narata at the Sigatoka Valley whose father Paula and uncle Mosese were former heavyweight champions.

Vakacegu, on the other hand, had been out of the local scene having spent some time in American Samoa.

“My first professional fight was against Birbal Junior in 2000 where I won on third round knockou. I fought champions such as Atama Raqili, Napoleon Taumoepeau, Sakeasi Dakua, Fatu Tuimanono and others I have forgotten. I respect those boxers. They are champions in their own right and who have promoted boxing in Fiji. There are greats such as Sakaraia Ve, who helped me build my career.

“I disagree with James Singh who said no heavyweight boxer in Fiji can beat him. To him I say ‘Come, I am here. If you the real champ, take up my challenge. I am always ready. We meet anytime and anywhere.”

ATHLETICS Fiji is preparing athletes who can fly the Fijian flag on the international stage after 2030.

This was admant as majority age group athletes took part in the weekly competition at Suva’s ANZ

Stadium yesterday.

Athletics Fiji coach Antonio Robailiku said with zones taking place and some senior athletes away at the Pacific Mini Games in the Northern Mariannas, it was a good opportunity for the young ones.

“We have a good turnout from the age group athletes today and this is a good sign. We are not only focusing on the near future but also on what we have to prepare for later that is after 2030,” Robailiku said.

He added there is a big pool of young athletes who are improving week in week out.

“We can see through the times and distances they are recording. It has been increasing gradually and its good to see athletes from as far as Ba weekly to be part of this competition.”

Athletes were tried in the U16,U18, Open and Masters categories in respective divisions yesterday.