FIJI’S number one ranked amateur fighter, Aminiasi Saratibau, is fired up and ready to showcase his skills at the highly anticipated Pacific Nations Competition this Friday and Saturday at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva.
As Fiji’s leading contender for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Scotland later this year, Saratibau sees this international event as a crucial opportunity to face top-ranked opponents and sharpen his craft, something that has long eluded him on local soil.
Finding quality opponents locally has been one of Saratibau’s greatest obstacles in his pursuit of excellence.
“It’s been hard to find good opponents in Fiji, not many boxers are in my weight division sometimes during competitions there are no opponents for me,” he explained.
“This competition all these countries will be bringing their top fighters and I’m so grateful for this opportunity to finally get good opponents to test my skills, this will also be a great preparation for the Commonwealth Games.”
Last year, the former Tilak High School student made history by finishing in the top 10 of his weight division at the Elite World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, England.
Despite this remarkable achievement, the 27-year-old believes certain aspects of his game require refinement, and he plans to use this weekend’s competition to polish those skills ahead of the Glasgow meet later this year.
“For this tournament I have three main goals, one to improve my strength, two my technique and finally my ring craft. My ring IQ is one of my immediate priorities as this is one aspect of my game I struggle with against top overseas opponents,” he said.
“But I’m working hard in my preparation and I’m excited to step in the ring this weekend.”
When asked how it feels to be Fiji’s top medal prospect for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, he replied,
“To be considered the top prospect I can say that I’m proud and grateful for everyone who has helped in my journey which has made me attain this ranking in Fiji. But I know there is also a lot of potential out there who can outgrow me but I’m thankful for how far I’ve come now.”
The Pacific Nations Competition commences this Friday at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva.
