Published in The Fiji Times on July 2015
Fiji’s boxers have won their first round of matches and are through to the semi-final today in the Pacific Games at the Carittas Sports Complex in Boroko, Port Moresby.
Light heavyweight Winston Hilland middleweight boxer Asina Roata made through on Monday night while heavyweight Tevita Vutikalulu won yesterday.
Vutikalulu faced Tonga’s Sione Hurrel in a slow fight where the Tongan was always moving back and not engaging.
Vutikalulu showed his duckling prowess but did not make such use of Hurrel moving back all the time, although the Fijian boxer did score with lovely right crosses and body punches.
He won on unanimous points decision.
The boxing coaching panel which includes Pauliasi Ratu and Osea Nanovu said they were happy with the win and looked forward to the next round.
The Pacific Games is amateur boxing’s first trip after 2012, and the national federation is hoping that a good show a the Pacific Games opens doors to other meets and perhaps a chance to play in the Olympics qualifiers.
