JUNIOR Farzan Ali hopes to make the nation proud when he faces Karihi Tehei for the vacant Oceania Boxing Association lightweight title in Tahiti this weekend.
Dubbed as the best pound for pound boxer in Fiji, Junior Farzan returns to the ring after a lapse of two years.
Known as the “Razor” Junior Farzan is keen to make it big on the international scene.
Junior Farzan said he had been training regularly to keep fit.
“I’m representing the nation and want to make everyone proud by winning the title,” the 34 year old said.
“I’m thankful to the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) for organising this trip. I’m entering the ring after some time and it should be a good test.”
Tehei who is the same age as Junior Farzan, is Tahiti’s number one boxer in the category. He has fought six times recording four wins and two losses.
Junior Farzan on the other hand holds a massive advantage with his experience. He has fought on 34 occasions with 27 wins, five losses and two draws.
However Junior Farzan hasn’t fought abroad in more than a decade.
His last fight away was in 2003 in Australia where he lost to Tommy Browne via a first round knockout.
Iosefo Cakaunivalu and Methew Michael will join Junior Farzan on the same program. The duo will feature in the 4×3 minute preliminary rounds.
Cakaunivalu has three professional bouts under his belt while Michael has fought only once.
BCF director Usman Ali who is accompanying the boxers to Papeete said it was a great opportunity for our boxers to showcase their talents abroad.
“We have received support from the Fiji Government and the Fiji Sports Commission,” Usman said.
“We are also grateful to the New Zealand Embassy and French Embassy for granting the visa on time.
“For Iosefo and Methew it will be a learning experience.
“Tahiti is a powerhouse in boxing.
“Many boxers go there to train because of the advance facilities which we do not have.”
Usman said the BCF was looking forward to staging some programs soon.
“It has been a year since the last program,” he said.
“We are also planning to take more boxers abroad for fights. However, the boxers have to prove themselves.
“They need to train hard and be fully fit. We do not want boxers just to go overseas without full preparation and then tarnish our image.
“They must be disciplined at all times.”
