Youngsters jabbed and dodged blows as they participated in the opening day of competition for a Fiji-New Zealand Invitational event organised by the Fiji Amateur Boxing Association at the Commander Stan Brown Boxing Gym in Walu Bay, Suva yesterday.
There were 30 fights lined up for the afternoon, as competition began at midday and concluded in the early evening.
The wooden hall reverberated with the sounds of punches traded, bells rung for the start, break and end of fights and the encouraging sounds of spectators cheering the young boxers on.
Head coach of the Fiji Amateur Boxing Association, Cam Todd, relayed his elation at the level of participation and enthusiasm prevalent in the gym.
“I’m really excited. I think Fiji has a massive future with amateur boxing and (there is) so much talent,” Todd expressed.
“Some of our young boxers here are getting better every week, so I’m very excited.”
He stated the preparation for the bouts consisted of joint training sessions with the New Zealand team.
Todd also laid out the next events listed for the association, with a Golden Glove national competition in store for next week, and future plans to have an international outing with the United States and a competition for male and female boxers in England next year.
Meanwhile, competition continues today at Nausori Primary School.
