IT was a memorable moment for Filise Nabua as he made his professional boxing debut at the ZEG Kings Promotion, at the Vodafone Arena in Suva on Saturday.
Nabua emerged victorious in his first fight, securing a unanimous points decision against his opponent, Ilikimi Saudromedrome.
The 22-year-old Fiji National University student, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Education, had been preparing rigorously for this opportunity.
Despite initially being scheduled to face Mohammed Ali, who failed to show up at the weigh-in on Friday, Nabua remained focused and determined to make the most of his debut.
“I like to thank God for giving me the strength to compete, the time I got chosen for me to be part of this promotion, I prepared really hard for it, I dropped my weight from 78kg to 66.7kg, in my career that’s the first time I dropped to that weight, I was feel really fit going into the match,” said Nabua.
“Really grateful for my opponent Ilikimi, who stepped in to replace Ali in the last minute, he’s a really great fighter, really tough.”
Transitioning from amateur to professional boxing presented a significant challenge for Nabua, but securing his first win in the pro ranks was a moment of triumph.
Nabua hopes his success in the ring will support his education financially.
“I’m still a student at Fiji National University my second year doing my Bachelor of Education, with boxing on the side I hope to earn money from here to help me with my studies.”
Nabua dedicated his victory to Boxing Brave, coach Osea Nanovu, and his mother.
