“I knew that I’ve won by points in the first and second rounds and by the third I was feeling tired but the thought of my late coach pushed me to finish the fight.”
From left: Iokimi Navuasese’s hand is raised after his points win over Garrica Bonnaci of Victoria, Australia, at the Captain Stan Brown Boxing Gym on November 22, 2024. Photo: Sereana Salalo
Iokimi Navuasese has dedicated his win to his late coach Ubaiyd Haider (formerly known as Nathan Singh) who passed away earlier this month.
The 15-year-old won by unanimous decision against Victoria’s Garica Bonnaci during their bout at the Captain Stan Brown Boxing Gym in Walu Bay, Suva, yesterday
The Nasoqo, Naitasiri, native started boxing when he was about 12-years-old and was first trained by Haider’s dad Gyan Singh; he shares maternal links to Taviya in Ovalau, Lomaiviti. “This fight was for my late coach Ubaiyd Haider (formerly known as Nathan Singh) and it is dedicated to him,” he said.
“He (Haider) contributed so much in boxing and training young boxers like me to carry on where he has left off.
“I was told before the fight they’re (Australians) are fit and skilled so I used my IQ because my fitness was not up to par.
“I knew that I’ve won by points in the first and second rounds and by the third I was feeling tired but the thought of my late coach pushed me to finish the fight.”
The young promising boxer has set his goal in representing Fiji to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Navuasese was also a gold medallist in the 57kg during the 2024 Youth & Junior Oceania Boxing Championships in Tahiti in July.
Meanwhile, the 28 bouts at Walu Bay is part of a two-day international competition against junior and youth boxers from Victoria, Australia; it will end today at the Nausori District School ground. National coach Cam Todd added that a team of boxers from New Zealand would be flying in two weeks followed by the Golden Gloves Championship from December 13-14.
The fights were still going on when this edition went to press last night.
Results
Sub Junior Girls: Ana Vaela won against Leba Arieta – Referee Stopped Contest (RSC) Round 2
Sub-Junior Boys: Anare Malo lost to Rusiate Jnr by points: 2-1; Yee On won against Iowane Lui – RSC Round 2
International Bout: Jone Fatiaki won against Iowane Rauli – RSC round 2 ; Iokimi Navuasese beat Garrica Bonnaci on points: 3-0
Elite 71-75kg
Nathan Long beat Serupepeli on points: 3-0.
Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj
