Nerves may reach a varying degree of intensity for Fiji’s young amateur boxers when they step into the ring for the International Tri-Nations competition, which starts today.
National head coach Cam Todd stated it would be something that would set in for the boxers, since the bouts would be seen by those present at the FMF Gymnasium and others tuned in to its live broadcast from around the country and the region.
“Some of the newer boxers, the younger ones and the ones who have internationals, that’ll be a bit scary for them,” Todd explained.
“For a lot of our boys, with the fights being televised and FMF (Gymnasium) is a much bigger venue than Walu Bay (Boxing Gym), they might get a little bit nervous of the bigger crowd.”
He added while the increased audience might intimidate the young boxers, he emphasised how such a scenario was vital to developing themselves.
“But that’s part of learning in the sport, you go from a gym like Walu Bay where there’s maybe 150 people, whereas at the Olympics for boxing, 25,000 people.
“So, it’s good, it’s a good experience for them to get used to that.
“I’m hoping that they’re just focusing on themselves, that’s what I teach my national team, is not who they’re fighting, more about what they want to do in the ring because if you worry too much about the opposition, then you’re playing into their hands,” Todd emphasised.
He adds he would like to see the boxers implement their goals in the ring and how they will manage to maintain their composure.
“I like my boxers to think about what they want to achieve in the ring, what they want to do when the bell goes and not worry too much about who they fight,” he says.
These key areas will be demonstrated in the form and agility of the young boxers, some of whom are taking part for the first time and others more seasoned from past bouts.
“Some of our more experienced boxers, the ones that I’ve been working with, they’re looking quite sharp because they’ve got hard fights,” he mentioned.
Some of these boxers will face Australian opponents and the national coach was adamant in placing them together to induce robust and intense competition in the ring.
“I want them to have a hard work, but they’ve been training well. My younger boys, who went to Tahiti last year, they’ll all be fighting this weekend.
“They’ve got some good fights so I’m excited about it, and I’ve done a little bit of work with some of the newer boxes, so it’ll be a good test for them as well.”
As the boxers step in the ring, he was hopeful they would remain focused on the task at hand.
Part of this focus means not worrying much about their opponents, as Todd stated doing so would deviate them from the goal at hand.
When the competition starts today at 2.30pm and ends tomorrow, the national coach is eyeing an improved performance from all Fijian boxers taking part.
Boxers from Fiji, Samoa and Australia will share the ring in the two-day tournament.
