Merewalesi Vulavou Saumaiwai Kolitapa is 14 years old and has already stepped 12 times inside the ring.

That might sound like a lot but the young lass from Moce, Lau, says her career has barely begun.

In fact, for the Kolitapa family, boxing will continue to be a sport of choice until she bring a world title back home.

The Sigatoka Methodist College student is a natural athlete and represented the school in the 400m and 800m during the Coca Cola Games.

She comes from a family for whom boxing has elevated careers, inspiring family members to pursue their passion for the sport.

She hails from a family of boxers, as both her parents are accomplished boxers in their own right.

Her father, Temo, represented Fiji from 1995 to 2001 in amateur boxing, competing in events like the South Pacific Games and Oceania Games.

He also trained Merewalesi’s mother, Visila Koliqaqaru, originally of Naceva, Kadavu, who went on to become a successful boxer herself.

She was the first female boxer in Fiji to compete for a recognized belt, the WBF, against an Australian pro champion. Merewalesi’s brothers – Alivereti Dodomo and Joe Nesta Rasovo Kolitapa – are also involved in the sport.

Alivereti started boxing at the age of 16 and has turned professional, while Joe has won two gold medals in the local Golden Gloves competition – and just recently, a bronze medal in the Junior category at the Oceania Games in Samoa.

Even her younger sister, Rita, has started boxing at the age of 10 and has already had her first fight.

It therefore comes as no surprise that Merewalesi’s passion for boxing started at a young age. She spent hours as a child, watching and learning from her parents.

Although she missed out on qualifying for Team Fiji to Samoa due to her date of birth, she continues to work hard to improve her skills.

She told The Fiji Times that being a female boxer was an incredible journey filled with challenges and triumphs.

“It’s amazing to see the growth and change in myself both physically and mentally as I continue to train and compete,” she shared.

However, she said the barriers of being a female had its challenges but she was determined to challenge these stereotypes and pave the way for a new generation of empowered athletes.

“One of the biggest challenges I face as a young female boxer is breaking down the stereotypes and prejudices that still exist in the sport.

“There is still a perception that boxing is a male sport, and it can be tough to gain respect and recognition as a female athlete.

“But I believe in myself and my abilities, and I work hard to prove that gender does not define my capabilities in the ring.

“I also want people to know boxing is not limited by gender.”

Despite her young age, Merewalesi sees herself as a role model for other girls and women in Fiji, and is encouraging them to take up boxing for self-defence and to build confidence.

She believes that boxing provides an excellent pathway for personal growth and development.

As a family, the Kolitapas have established the Butterfly Boxing Club in Vunavutu, Sigatoka, using it as a platform for self-defense and to support other boxers.

Merewalesi’s mother is an advocate for empowering women and children through boxing, and she was recognized as the Best Coach of the Year 2021, being the first female coach in the sport.

The Kolitapa family’s motto is to be humble and respect everyone, young and old.