NATIONAL amateur boxing coaches Pauliasi Ratu and Oscar Nanovu have more to offer to the sport in the country after receiving their coaching certificates last Saturday.
Ratu received the Amateur International Boxing Association (AIBA) level two coaching certificate while Nanovu received a level one certificate. Ratu, 56, had been involved in the sport for about 35 years representing the country at amateur and professional level.
“This means a lot for a country like Fiji. AIBA has got certain rules such as that you need to have certificate and so can enter the ring,” Ratu said.
“Even level two certificate is not enough for me to enter the ring. I can coach from outside the ring with the level two. During the Pacific Games, I had a level one and before the event we had a course and that is how we got the go ahead from the officials.”
He had fought 50 professional bouts locally and internationally in his career before taking up coaching.
“Now my plan is to develop the sport in future so when we participate in international events we can do better,” he added.
“I want to teach the boxers the basics of boxing as we lack how to throw punches, attack and defence is some areas we need to work on.
“The sport of boxing has given me a lot of things in my life and I will continue to give my services to the sport and help build the next generation of boxers.”
Fiji Amateur Boxing Association head Manasa Baravilala said the achievement would open doors for him to coach in international events.
“The certificate allows them to coach AIBA, Amateur Professional Boxing (APB) and World Boxing Series (WBS) boxing anywhere in the world,” he said.
“This is a major achievement for Fiji and for the two local FABA coaches.
“The board wishes to record its appreciation and delight at this historical achievement which is a first for Fiji.”
