“The belt has been taken to Ovalau!”
These were the words of a proud and elated Laisani Leba, the mother of boxer and rugby player Sera Bolatini after her daughter won over Connie Chan to claim the Super Welterweight WBA Oceania Title at the ZEG Kings Boxing Promotions event in Suva last Saturday.
Leba, who watched her daughter contest for the title, could be seen cheering her on as she exchanged blows and connected punches with her Australian opponent in what was an intense fight.
At the end of the bout, both Leba and Bolatini’s father Navitalai Sevu ran into the ring and embraced their daughter as the judges cards showed the win had swung in her favour.
Following the bout, Leba expressed how thankful she had been to see Bolatini’s hard work pay off with the win.
“I was overwhelmed,” she said.
“I am so thankful to God for his provision and guidance over Sera. Ever since she was young and now, she has reached a platform that was so unexpected and that’s all we can say.
“I am so happy. Those of us from Ovalau who turned up in large numbers today, (Saturday) are so happy since the victory is now Sera Bolatini’s.”
This was Bolatini’s third bout, but her first victory.
Her first fight was against New Zealand boxer Erin Walsh in Auckland where she lost on points.
Her second bout was against Australian boxer Kayla McKeown saw her face defeat once more.
Meanwhile, Bolatini is also a national sevens player, having represented the Fijiana 7s team.
Noting this, her mother said her foray into the boxing ring from the rugby pitch was not unexpected.
“It wasn’t new for us to see her moving from sport to sport since our family has been actively involved in sports on both sides.”
She recalled the message relayed to Bolatini when she would undertake a new venture.
“My daughter, whether you win or lose, we will always support you in whichever path you take.”
Meanwhile, the bout between Bolatini and Chan was fought for eight rounds.
