FORMER Labasa soccer star Solomone Catarogo believed Nadroga Tiger Mohammed Aiyaz would not last the full 12 rounds when they clashed for the vacant lightweight title at Subrail Park, according to an article published by The Fiji Times on May 22, 1997.
The report said the pair would feature in a Pioneer Boxing Promotions program. In the supporting bout, Suva’s Pratap Sen was expected to face a stiff challenge from Labasa’s Alam Shariff for the vacant bantamweight title.
Catarogo said the previous day he was following a strict training program mapped out by Naitasiri Hitman, Joe Ravudi and was confident of a knockout victory.
“With Ravudi as my coach, I don’t think I will encounter much problem in knocking Aiyaz out,” a confident Catarogo said.
Ravudi said although he had started coaching Catarogo that week, he was confident the young boxer would knock Aiyaz out.
Aiyaz was coached by Joe Keresi and word from the camp was that the Nadroga Tiger was raring to rumble.
Ravudi said there were a few weaknesses that needed polishing and new techniques would help counter Aiyaz’s punches.
Promoter Peter Nand said the clash between Catarogo and Aiyaz promised a lot of fireworks.
