Fiji Amateur Boxing is setting new standards this year as they prepare 35 local boxers to compete in the Tri-Nations international event, which is considered the largest international amateur event in the country’s boxing history.
Head coach Cam Todd expressed excitement about the upcoming competition, noting that Australia is bringing its biggest team of 31 boxers, while Samoa is sending a team of 12 boxers.
Additionally, a boxer from New Zealand will be participating in the event alongside Fiji’s elite boxers.
“Preparations have been underway local club are working with their boxers, and I’m working with some of the national team in the age groups, so they are really excited, we had a few competitions this year which is good for the team,” said Todd.
Todd emphasised the significance of this event, stating that it is one of the biggest international fights Fiji has ever hosted.
“I think in terms of the numbers I think this is the one of the biggest Amateur international events we ever had in Fiji, we had quite a few last years, but they were a little smaller in size, and we thought we need to use a bigger venue.”
He adds the main focus of the competition is on developing younger boxers as they are seen as the future of boxing in Fiji.
“The competition is mainly to develop our younger boxers, because they are the future and the pathway, so we got boxers at the age of 11 up to 19-years-old, and they are getting ready for potential overseas trips this year and next year, so this competition will be a great opportunity for them to show their talent.”
He mentioned the inclusion of talent from newly emerging clubs, such as a club in Nausori that started gaining traction last year and another young club towards Navua, which boasts a wealth of young male and female boxers now integrated into the national setup.
The squad also draws heavily from the Western Division, with boxers from Ba, Nadi, and Lautoka all set to compete.
Todd extends an invitation to the public to come and support the young boxers as they strive for success.
He encourages everyone, whether they are familiar with boxing or not, to join them in cheering on the athletes and helping them improve and achieve their goals.
The tournament will be hosted at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva next week on Friday and Saturday.
