Fiji’s amateur boxing team is preparing for an exciting challenge this weekend at the Championship Initiative Invitational Event in New Zealand. Head coach Cam Todd expressed confidence in his athletes, who have undergone rigorous training and sparring over the last two weeks alongside local boxers, which has greatly improved their ability to meet the intense demands of international competition.
Having departed Fiji last Tuesday, the team is now in the final stages of preparation ahead of the matches. Todd believes the team is well-prepared and looks forward to them representing their country with pride. He shared, “We’ve just been sharpening up during training for the competition this weekend. The team is looking good, they’ve been training hard, they’ve adapted to the cold weather, and I’m very happy with their progress so far.”
The Championship Initiative Invitational will take place at the Wairarapa Boxing Academy in Masterton at 1 p.m. on Saturday. This event will feature some of New Zealand’s top amateur talents alongside the Pacific fighters, including Fiji’s promising boxers. It offers a crucial platform for Fijian athletes to gain valuable international experience, which is essential as they prepare for larger regional and global tournaments, including the Golden Gloves competition set for later this month in Nausori.
Todd has previously emphasized the significance of international exposure in enhancing the boxers’ skills and techniques. The training sessions with New Zealand teams have improved their performance while fostering stronger relationships within the boxing community between the two countries.
The anticipation for this weekend’s event highlights the increasing momentum of boxing in Fiji. The dedication to youth development, growing community support, and a strong desire for international experiences are paving the way for a bright future for the sport in the nation. As these athletes step into the ring, they carry aspirations that extend beyond personal achievements, aiming to elevate Fiji’s profile in the global boxing landscape.