KNOWN in the ring as “The Warrior”, Yasawa native Sanivalati Ratu says Saturday night’s clash against Fiji heavyweight champion Semi Dauloloma is more than just another fight — it is his opportunity to prove he belongs among the country’s top heavyweight contenders.
Ratu will take on the reigning national champion in a non-title bout, one of the main supporting contests at Kings Boxing Promotions’ Bad Blood event at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.
Although the heavyweight title will not be on the line, Ratu said he is treating the contest as though championship honours are at stake.
“They said because of my boxing record I still can’t fight for the title,” he said.
“So all I have to do in this one is prove that I’m a title contender so I’m treating this as a title fight.”
Saturday’s bout also reignites a rivalry that stretches back to their amateur careers.
Ratu said the pair met four times before turning professional. Dauloloma won two contests on split decisions, another ended in a draw, while their fourth meeting was stopped after officials ruled Ratu had suffered an eye injury.
“But for me, it was nothing serious,” he said.
“Until now, I want my redemption. Before I could ask him for another fight, he already jumped up to professional. For me, this is an opportunity to redeem my name.
The contest will be Ratu’s third professional fight.
He admitted his last outing in Samoa ended in defeat but said the experience taught him valuable lessons after he was forced to lose 15 kilograms in just three days before the bout.
“I don’t lose, I learn, if I live on my losses, then how can I grow” he said.
Confident in his preparation, Ratu believes he is ready for whatever Dauloloma brings.
“Fitness-wise, I feel like I can last the distance if I have to. But this is boxing, anything can happen,” he said.
“I’m not expecting an easy fight I know Semi is a heavyweight champion for a reason as well. But I want to let Fiji know that I’m also here.”
A victory over the reigning heavyweight champion would not only give The Warrior redemption for their amateur rivalry but would also send a strong message that he is ready to challenge for national honours.
