RATU Raukuro Daunivavana overcame a determined start from India’s Ankit Kumar to capture the WABA Supreme International Welterweight title with a fifth-round technical knockout at the ZEG Boxing Promotions programme in Suva.
Kumar arrived well prepared for the challenge and made the early rounds difficult for the Australasian champion, controlling the pace and landing some telling punches.
However, the “Buca Bay Prince” gradually worked his way into the contest, weathering Kumar’s early assault before finding the opening to turn the fight around.
The decisive moment came in the fifth round when Daunivavana unleashed a devastating body shot that left Kumar unable to continue, forcing the referee to stop the contest.
The victory crowned Daunivavana the new WABA Supreme International Welterweight champion, adding another milestone to his boxing career.
Despite the emphatic finish, Daunivavana admitted there was plenty to improve on before his next assignment.
“There’s a lot to improve on. Right now, we’re going to go back to the drawing board,” he said.
“One thing for sure is that we need to work on our jab. We need to work on our footwork.”
Daunivavana said preparations would resume on Monday as he looks to sharpen his technique and build on his latest achievement.
“When Monday comes, we’ll be hitting the gym again,” he said.
