INTERNATIONAL opportunities could be on the horizon for Fiji’s boxers when ZEG Boxing Promotions brings overseas opponents to Suva’s Vodafone Arena next Saturday, giving local fighters a chance to showcase their talent in front of visiting promoters.
Among the confirmed match-ups, Laite Nanovu will face Indian boxer Aarti Hooda, while Samuela Naqari takes on American Joe Gordon. Watisoni Rokotuitoga will also step into the ring against Nauru’s Rockanson Iga.
However, beyond the challenge of facing international opponents, the promotion aims to open doors for local boxers to compete overseas and earn recognition beyond Fiji’s shores.
ZEG Investments managing director Alfaaz Mallam said bringing overseas representatives to Fiji was an important step towards exposing local fighters to opportunities in the international boxing scene.
Representatives from South Bay Promotions and the World Amateur Boxing Association (WABA) are expected to attend the event, where they will assess the talent on display.
“We fight each other for too long, and unless we bring in promoters from overseas for them to scout our boys and see that it is worth it, nothing is going to happen,” Mallam said.
Although bringing international representatives to Fiji comes at a cost, Mallam believes the investment is necessary if local fighters are to move beyond the domestic circuit.
He said ZEG was exploring opportunities for boxers to compete in countries such as the United States and India, building on previous opportunities that had taken some fighters to New Zealand.
Nevertheless, he stressed that overseas contracts would depend on the boxers’ performances and whether visiting representatives believed they were ready for the next level.
“My job as a promoter is to make sure I present our boys, and their job is to train to make sure they look good,” he said.
Mallam also called on trainers and managers to ensure fighters were matched appropriately, emphasising that their development and safety must come first.
With the event also set to be broadcast on pay-per-view to audiences beyond Fiji, he said discipline and professionalism would be essential on fight night.
The promotion will feature five title fights, according to Mallam, who is urging boxing fans to fill the venue and support the fighters as ZEG works to connect local talent with opportunities on the international stage.
