FIJI’S amateur boxing campaign on the international stage has begun in emphatic fashion, with the national side delivering a commanding performance at the recent Pacific Nations Competition staged at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva over the weekend.
Under the guidance of head coach Cam Todd, the home team rose above a strong regional field, asserting dominance against some of the Pacific’s top amateur fighters.
“I was really happy with my team,” Todd noted. “Overall Fiji won the points, which was very good considering how strong the different nations were.”
The tournament provided a timely platform for Fiji’s Commonwealth Games representatives, who wasted no opportunity to stamp their authority as preparations intensify for the upcoming meet in Glasgow later this year.
Jasmie Daunakamakama, Fiji’s sole female representative to the Games, produced a series of eye-catching performances that underlined her versatility and resilience.
Competing above her usual weight class, she overcame a Papua New Guinea opponent in the 60kg division before stepping up even further to the 65kg category, where she stopped her second PNG rival in emphatic fashion.
Her ability to not only adapt but dominate across weight divisions will be a significant boost to Fiji’s medal ambitions.
Meanwhile, Aminisasi Saratibau reinforced his status as one of the country’s leading medal prospects with two clinical victories in the 80kg division.
Saratibau needed just one round to dispatch his PNG opponent in his opening bout, unleashing powerful combinations and sharp counter punches.
He followed that with another decisive stoppage in the second round against a determined Samoan challenger.
Todd was equally encouraged by the broader squad effort, highlighting the emergence of younger talent stepping onto the big stage.
“Some of our youth and junior boxers who have been working with us had some good results as well,” he explained.
“So overall it was a very good tournament, and I think the biggest amateur one Fiji’s had in a long time with seven nations competing at the event.”
With momentum building and depth emerging across the ranks, Fiji’s amateur boxing program appears well-positioned as it builds towards a significant test on the global stage later this year.
