“We need experienced trainers who knows how to train and protect their boxers. They take them through the ropes and teach more about the art of boxing.”
Sakaraia Ve.
There is no boxer in the country we can refer to as a drawcard. This was the view of legendary Fiji welterweight boxer Sakaraia Ve.
Ve attained a top 10 rankings with the World Boxing Association (WBA) in the 1980s at the time when all-time greats like Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran and Thomas ‘Hitman’ Hearns dominated the division.
“I was a drawcard because everywhere I fought in Fiji, people would come out in big numbers to fill the fight venues, just to watch me. There has been no boxer in Fiji who we can say is a drawcard.”
Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, Ve said, today’s boxers are more into punching their opponents and go for a win at any cost.
“They simply don’t have the class since they lack at the art of boxing when compared to boxers of our time,” he said.
“It’s about getting your footwork right, improve on your ringcraft, how to throw your punches whether it is a jab, hook or uppercut but the timing has to be spot on.
”Also, how are you going to defend yourself from your opponent’s punches? Some boxers are only good when they are dishing out punches but become easy targets as they don’t know anything about defending themselves.
“Once you get all these basics right, the win is going to take care of itself.”
Ve said one contributing factors is the lack of experienced trainers.
“Most of today’s trainers have not worn the gloves or step into the ring. They don’t what it means when you cop a punch. Looking at how some of these trainers operate it’s all Facebook or Youtube stuff.
“We need experienced trainers who knows how to train and protect their boxers. They take them through the ropes and teach more about the art of boxing.”
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
