In Fiji, the pathway to becoming a professional boxer typically starts in the amateur ranks; however, numerous fighters encounter significant obstacles that may hinder their potential. Local boxing coach Osea Nanovu has voiced concerns regarding the stringent policies of the Fiji Amateur Boxing Association (FABA), which he believes are obstructing boxers from participating in professional exhibitions that could further their careers.
“Not every amateur boxer will be part of Team Fiji or reach Olympian status,” Nanovu points out, emphasizing that amateur boxing should act as a springboard for fighters to hone their skills and prepare for lucrative professional opportunities. The current FABA regulations, which prevent boxers from competing professionally, are stifling many athletes’ chances to advance in their careers and support their families financially.
Nanovu stresses that boxing is about more than just winning medals. “Winning medals is great, but they don’t put food on the table. Families need to eat, and boxers need sustainable careers,” he explains. He urges FABA to adopt a more adaptable policy that would allow aging boxers the chance to transition into professional bouts rather than remaining in amateur status indefinitely.
Additionally, Nanovu questions whether FABA has a strategic vision for developing future boxing talent or if it is more focused on preserving its authority. “If FABA concerns itself with losing talent, they should support the emergence of new boxers,” he warns, cautioning that restricting current boxers’ opportunities could lead many to bypass the amateur level altogether.
The situation has drawn attention to the recent reinstatement of the International Boxing Association (IBA) in Fiji, which is seen favorably by many. The IBA’s framework encourages a crossover between amateur and professional bouts, giving boxers the flexibility to navigate both landscapes and better manage their careers.
For hopeful Fijian boxers, the sport is not merely a passion; it must evolve into a realistic career option. Nanovu poignantly comments, “Boxers love to box, but they also need to provide for their families.”
It is crucial for Fiji’s governing bodies to work together to establish a supportive system that nurtures talent, recognizes the harsh realities of life, and promotes boxing as a sustainable profession. If this need is ignored, many promising fighters may seek opportunities elsewhere, threatening the future of local boxing and extinguishing the aspirations of its athletes.
FABA has been approached for comment, and a response is anticipated in the coming days, which could signal a transformative shift in the boxing landscape in Fiji and create a more empowering environment for its athletes. The potential for positive change offers hope for the future of boxing in the region.