THE week-long training stint in New Zealand will play a huge role for Team Fiji boxer Winston Hill at the upcoming Rio Olympics.
Fiji Amateur Boxing Association (FABA) president Manasa Baravilala said Hill was exposed to top training and coaching in New Zealand to best prepare for the Olympics.
He said despite the lack of preparation time he was confident that Hill would do the country proud in Rio.
“Given the late notice to feature at the Olympics, Hill has done as much as he can at training,” said Baravilala.
“He never stops training and this keeps his body in top shape,
“He was trained and coached by some of New Zealand’s top boxers last week and will be out for the best during the Olympics.”
Meanwhile, Baravilala said to produce good boxers, the association needed proper facilities to groom and nurture aspiring boxers.
“Our current venue at the national fitness center has been extended to cater for weightlifting so boxing is again on the search for a new home.”
“Boxers like any athlete, in rugby, soccer, volleyball, swimming, weightlifting train and compete but the challenge for boxing is no rings.
“It has been 28 years since a Fijian boxer returned to the Olympics and people ask me, “why so long.” The short answer, no playground (ring) no competition.
“For boxing to develop in Fiji, we need our playground (ring) to showcase the numerous boxing talents that Fiji is blessed with,” he added.
