PETERO Qica acquired fame very early in his boxing career.
He was just 22 when he became the Fiji heavyweight champion in 2010.
Almost five years down the road, “The Lauan Torpedo” is still the champion and undefeated as well.
On Saturday night, the 27-year-old, a military officer as of last year, makes a much-awaited return to one of his favourite hunting ground at Prince Charles Park in Nadi — the same venue where he was crowned the new prince of heavyweight boxing in Fiji.
Standing in his way this time is the number one title contender and Tongan train Napoleon Taumoepeau, who is based in Suva as well.
Qica was granted special leave from work by the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces to prepare for the showdown against Taumoepeau and he is counting the days, eager to get back into the ring.
Growing up in Lami Village, a short drive from Suva City, his early boxing lessons were from his dad and trainer Petero Qica Sr.
It was in 2007, when a young Qica still in Form Six at Suva Grammar School, was taken up to Toorak, where Qica cousin and former Fiji heavyweight champion, the late Sunia Cama was based.
“My interest in boxing was because of the influence of my dad.
“When I was little, he taught me some skills that he knew.
“When he took me to Toorak to my uncle (Sunia Cama’s place), my mentor took over,” he said.
“He (Cama) gave everything to me, the skills and style.
“My best memory with him has to be the time when I won my first professional fight in 2009.
“It was against Fatu Tuimanono and I had won by knockout in the third round.
“We had worked very hard for my first fight.
“He (Cama) was very happy and satisfied because some months earlier Fatu had knocked out Napoleon and was saying he was ready to fight anyone.”
For someone who weighs well over a 100 kilos, it would surprise many to learn that Fiji’s heavyweight champion was a sprinter in primary school and early part of secondary school.
Prior to joining SGS, he was on Ovalau Island, schooling at St John Cawaci and playing prop for the school team.
Between years 2008-2009, Qica featured in six amateur fights, five of which were wins by knockout and one by points.
Asked to rate the toughest fight of his career, Qica said it was against an Australian heavyweight during his amateur days when a team from the land down under toured Fiji.
It was a fight where he took a lot of punches and survived.
It made him mentally stronger.
With days remaining for the fight, Qica remains focused.
The only thing on his mind is a win over Taumoepeau and he’s ready to go the full 12 rounds for it.
“I worked on my speed. I’m really focused, fit and my stamina is good.
“I’m getting in the rhythm,” he said.
“I’ve tasted what it’s like to go 12 rounds. I don’t think Napoleon has ever gone over three rounds. I have done it before and 12 rounds is a lot of time. It can make a big difference.
“I have my respect for Napoleon. It’s after many years that someone is challenging for my title.
“I’d like to thank all the sponsors of the Wild West Promotions program, everyone supporting me in the military, all my relatives in Tailevu from my mother’s side and Lau, my father’s side.
“My friends (from Vatuwaqa) in the Suva market for all the free fruits.”
Qica’s four-year-old son Saula and wife Ruci will be watching him fight live for the first time on Saturday.
“There are a lot of people and I want to give them good news,” he said.
Undefeated Qica became Fiji heavyweight champion in 2010 and he considers himself very lucky to be one of the youngest heavyweight champions of the country.
He beat Navosa strongman Mosese Kavika for the title.
“I won the title at 22.
“At 23, I defended it. This is my title.
“It is the Republic of Fiji heavyweight title. I won’t give him (Napoleon) a chance to take it away.”
Qica joined the military last year and holds the rank of a private.
The strong southpaw has a record of four wins from as many fights while Taumoepeau, whose fighting style is orthodox, has four wins and a loss.
Both boxers have two opponents in common.
They are Fatu “Honey Boy” Tuimanono and Kavika.
Taumoepeau lost his pro-debut to Tuimanono by a second round knockout and about three months later, Qica on his debut beat-up “Honey Boy”, recording an impressive third round win by technical knockout.
The first fight between the then newcomer Qica and the experienced Kavika in 2010 for the vacant title went right to the wire where he secured a win by unanimous decision.
The return fight ended in the 11th round and Qica was declared winner by technical knockout.
Taumoepeau, who is 38 years young, took on Kavika last year and won by a technical knockout in the third round.
With Qica enjoying the best of preparation and training, the showdown for Fiji’s heavyweight crown is set to be yet another explosive encounter of heavy blows, blood and skills which is sure to keep boxing fans at the edge of their seats.
