In Fiji, the journey to becoming a professional boxer often begins in the amateur ranks, but many fighters face hurdles that risk keeping their talents from thriving. Local boxing coach Osea Nanovu has raised concerns regarding the restrictive policies of the Fiji Amateur Boxing Association (FABA), which he believes are hindering boxers from realizing their full potential by preventing them from participating in professional exhibitions.
“Not every amateur boxer will be part of Team Fiji or become an Olympian,” Nanovu states, underscoring that amateur boxing should serve as a foundation for fighters to develop their skills and prepare for lucrative professional careers. Unfortunately, FABA’s current stance, which prohibits boxers from competing in professional contexts, is impeding many athletes from progressing in their careers and financially supporting their families.
Nanovu emphasizes that boxing encompasses much more than just winning medals. “Winning medals is great, but medals don’t put food on the table. Families need to eat, and boxers require sustainable careers,” he explains. He advocates for FABA to adopt a more flexible policy, allowing aging boxers the opportunity to transition into professional fights rather than being locked into amateur status indefinitely.
Furthermore, Nanovu questions whether FABA has a foresighted plan for cultivating future boxing talent, or if the organization is primarily focused on maintaining its authority. “If FABA is concerned about losing talent, they can always nurture new boxers,” he says, cautioning that by restricting current boxers’ opportunities, they may inadvertently push fighters to skip the amateur level entirely.
This issue has intensified interest in the recent reinstatement of the International Boxing Association (IBA) in Fiji, which is viewed positively by many. The IBA’s framework promotes crossover between amateur and professional bouts, allowing boxers the flexibility to navigate both arenas and better manage their careers.
For aspiring Fijian boxers, the sport is not just a passion; it must also evolve into a viable career path. Nanovu poignantly notes, “Boxers love to box, but they also need to provide for their families.”
It is imperative for Fiji’s governing bodies to collaborate and establish a balanced system that nurtures talent, acknowledges the realities of life, and fosters the future of boxing as a professional career. Failure to do so could result in many promising fighters seeking opportunities elsewhere, potentially jeopardizing the local sport while shattering the hopes of its athletes.
Questions have been posed to FABA, and a response is expected in the forthcoming days, potentially signaling a shift in the landscape of boxing in Fiji, which could pave the way for a more empowering environment for its athletes.