WITH just a year in the sport and already 18 fights under her belt, 16-year-old Anaseini Naikanivatu is quickly emerging as one of Fiji’s promising young talents in boxing.
The Ra lass has also featured in three international bouts, showcasing her rapid rise in the amateur ranks.
Naikanivatu impressed during her contest against Papua New Guinea’s Liranda Jemina Hanani on Day One of the Pacific Nations Amateur Boxing Championships at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva yesterday.
Despite her young age, she displayed composure and tactical awareness in the ring, crediting her performance to lessons learned in training.
“In the first round, I did not throw hard and heavy punches so that I could read her style of boxing, and that was something my coach taught me,” she said.
Naikanivatu acknowledged there is still room for improvement as she prepares for her final bout.
“I will need to work on the skills of throwing hard and tough punches,” she added.
Beyond competition, the determined teenager is also encouraging more young women to take up the sport.
She said while boxing is physically demanding, it can also serve as an important tool for self-defence and personal confidence.
Her steady progress signals a bright future ahead as she continues to gain experience on both local and international stages.
