It was a memorable Ratu Sukuna Bowl debut for national rep Ben Williams of the Police boxing team.
Williams won by split decision against Keleto Takale of Army in the 60-65 Kg division yesterday at the Fiji Police Academy Gym in Nasese.
Williams displayed superior boxing IQ and technical skills throughout the bout but was penalised in the second round for an accidental low blow to his opponent.
His opponent Kelevi Mavi put on a gusty performance including a strong comeback in the third round, but Williams’ ring IQ prevented him from scoring any major blows in the final round.
The police boxer says his recent trip to New Zealand with the national armature boxing team really boosted his performance yesterday.
“That international experience has really helped me especially my footwork and punching combinations and it has really motivated me to lift my standard of boxing to the overseas standard,” Williams said.
He admits he needs to polish up on his defence if he plans to win his first ever Sukuna Bowl gold medal.
“My footwork and defence, I really need to work on those before the final.”
Williams will face fellow police boxer Keleto Takele in the final of the 60-65kg division today.
In the other results in the first semi-finals of the 65-70 Kg division Simi Koroi won via split points decision against Army’s Josaia Veiqaravi.
In the second semi-final, Army’s Pita Nasowaqa stopped police’s Wise Naiqama in the first round to progress to the finals.
The rest of the semi-final bouts were still in progress when this edition went to press.
