After wresting the light-middleweight belt from Pauliasi Ratu in Suva in 1983, Fiji’s “Golden Boy” Sakaraia Ve was challenged by Labasa boxing idol Noa Bukai.
The Fiji Times reported on November 7, 1986, that Bukai had challenged Ve for the title in what was expected to be a spectacular fight.
The fight program was promoted by Golden Gloves Promotions and it was to be staged under the Fiji Boxing Council banner at Subrail Park in Labasa.
Since both fighters were renowned characters around the country, the 12-round fight was expected to draw a huge crowd.
A win for Bukai would allow him to redeem himself as he had failed to claim the title from Ve after challenging him almost a year earlier.
As for Ve, he knew that Bukai would be coming to the fight with a lot of heat so he had to prepare himself well for history to repeat itself.
“Noa has proven that he can fight since I fought him last year,” Ve said.
“His records had been quite impressive, considering his recent fights.”
A confident Ve said he had been watching the Labasa fighter closely and felt that Bukai should have a go at challenging the title. Ve understood that agreeing to fight Bukai would put his title in danger but he was ready.
When he was quizzed by The Fiji Times reporters, Ve said he was really looking forward and ready for the fight. Though age was catching up, Ve said he would train hard for the fight.
“I expect the fight to be hard because it is hard beating Bukai in his home turf Labasa.”
Ve was expected to receive $2000 and Bukai $1500 for the fight. Bukai had been chasing Ve’s title ever since he lost to him.
In the main sporting event, Sivinia Koroi was to fight Labasa’s Joe Lutua for the middleweight belt. Other fights for that night were to include Isikeli Veitala v Ropate Narere, Atama Raqili v Nacanieli Ledua, and Kitione Somumu v Pita Taleni.
Bukai had fought 32 professional fights with three losses and a draw.
His most recent record at the time was a draw with New Zealand-based Brij Muatali Ulu and a fine win over New Zealand fighter Sugar Joeli Sauqaqa.
