THE lack of competitions remain a challenge for the Fiji Amateur Boxing Association as it plans around and readies their boxers for the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Head coach Cam Todd said this is a persistent issue the association faces every year.
“For us it’s always the same because of where we are in the region, the lack of competition is always an issue,” he said.
Compared to other nations, Fiji does not have the resource nor the funds to send boxers to competitive boxing events overseas, let alone to have invitational teams over on a regular basis.
“The northern hemisphere countries have bigger budgets, and they are already going to major international tournaments, so they do have a little bit of an advantage over us.”
As seen in the past, Fijian boxers will have to test themselves locally in domestic competitions.
“We still have our local competitions, and we have internationals in April and hopefully in June which should help our team.
“We will be based in Sheffield, England with the Great Britain squad prior to the Games to sharpen up our team.”
FABA was allocated three Commonwealth Games spot by FASANOC, but they are pushing for two more in hopes of sending five boxers across to Scotland.
“At the moment we have five weight divisions that we are looking at, the national Olympic committee have given us three spots, so we are still pushing for two more spots. We still have to finalise two weight divisions which will be done on, hopefully the 28th of this month, in the 65kg and the 75kg. We already have boxers set for the 60 and 80kg in the men and the 57kg in the women.”
The national Olympic committee will confirm the final squad once all processes are completed.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland is scheduled from July 23 to August 2.
