Fiji Amateur Boxing head coach Cam Todd says local boxers need more exposure to international opponents if they want to develop the sport of boxing in Fiji.
Todd made the statement after confirming that none of our local boxers had qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Despite a good outing at the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands, not a single Fijian boxer was able to qualify for the Olympics.
“Our boxers need more international competitions and to get this we definitely need assistance with funding from the Fiji National Sports Commission and/or sponsors to assist,” the New Zealander said.
Todd took with him a team of seven boxers to the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands where his side scooped five medals.
“Our small team of seven boxers produced five medals, including a gold, a silver, and three bronze.
“And this made them one of the most successful teams at the Pacific Games.”
Fiji’s lone gold medal for boxing came from Jone Davule who defeated Solomon Island’s Maximilan Makana in the men’s 60 kilograms final. However, with the Olympics qualifier set to be held in May, Fiji still has a chance to prove its worth and to earn a spot at the Paris Games.
“We will be attending the Olympics qualifiers in March, depending on funding, and in May next year.”
