After a five-year hiatus from boxing, Anaseini Dakua gears up for her much-anticipated return to the ring, competing against Unaisi Nata in the sole women’s bout at the FMF Bluewater Boxing Promotion in Nadi. Dakua, originally from Vatubalavu, Navosa, last fought in 2019. At that time, she was focused solely on her career as a single woman. Now, returning as both a wife and a mother of three, she faces new challenges in balancing her personal and professional life.
Dakua reflects on the changes in her life, stating, “After five years, I’m fighting again. My last bout was in 2019 and I was single, but now I’m married with three children.” Although her training routine has not been as consistent due to family commitments, she remains confident that her past experience will be advantageous. She openly shares the personal dynamics involved in her decision to fight again, revealing, “Coming to fight in this bout, I really had to ask permission from my husband. I had to beg him to let me fight.”
Despite the obstacles she has faced, Dakua is eager to demonstrate her resilience and is calling on supporters to attend and cheer on women boxers. “To all supporters, please come and support us,” she urges.
This event highlights the growing participation of women in the sport of boxing, a movement supported by other female boxers such as Maureen Neumia, who has actively encouraged women to take up the sport. Both Dakua and Neumia underscore the importance of female representation in boxing and the strength shown by women in various sports. With role models like Dakua and Neumia, female boxing continues to gain momentum, inspiring more women to pursue their passion in this challenging yet rewarding sport.