“We don’t need to rush Semi by putting him to fight Ivic in either October or December. I understand from the promoter’s point of view it’s good but the boxer, which is Semi it is not,” Wilson said.
Semi Dauloloma (right) lands an uppercut on James Singh (left) during their title fight at the Vodafone Arena, Suva on July 19, 2025. Photo: Josua Buredua
Fiji heavyweight boxing champion Semi Dauloloma needs a few more fights before he can take on unbeaten Australian champion Stevan Ivic.
This was the view of Sydney-based trainer Lepani Wilson who said yesterday that Dauloloma needs a break after beating James Singh on a fourth round knockout last Saturday. The win saw him claim the Fiji heavyweight and Leweni Waqa Memorial heavyweight titles.
“Semi is our new champ but he needs to be brought up the ranks,” Wilson said.
“We don’t need to rush Semi by putting him to fight Ivic in either October or December. I understand from the promoter’s point of view it’s good but the boxer, which is Semi it is not,” Wilson said.
“When I brought in Peter Kariuki to Fiji in the early 2000, I only allowed him to fight the likes of Apimeleki Tui and Nat Ledua who then had gone past their prime. I didn’t allow Kariuki to fight Sakiasi Dakua then because he was our champ and we need to protect him as well. The same is for Semi who is very promising but needs to be given time to flourish.”
Wilson said the best way forward for Dauloloma is to fight either a Tongan or Samoan heavyweight boxer next to build him up internationally.
Zeg Kings Boxing Promotions promoter Nahroon Buksh told SUNsports that he is ready to put him the fight between Dauloloma and Ivic.
However, Buksh indicated that he needs time to talk to both camps at first.
