Middleweight boxer Robert Antonio is confident of beating Robin Hazelmen in the South Pacific Boxing Promotion programme at Prince Charles Park, Nadi on February 9.

The 28-year-old of Drekeniwai, Cakaudrove wants to win for his five-year-old son Zeck Antonio who will start attending Wailevu Kindergarten in Labasa.

“This is a very important clash for me and I have to win to get more fights in 2019,” the father of two children, currently residing at Tuatua, Labasa, said.

“I have been training with the help of my manager Muniusi Bolatoga.

“I would like to thank the Starbar manager for allowing me and other boxers to train in his club, Jim Service Station, and my wife for their support.”

A yaqona and dalo farmer, his aim is to establish a boxing club in Labasa.

“It is my dream and my wife has been supporting me by saving money to form a boxing club in Labasa,” the second youngest of six siblings said.

“I started boxing with the support of my father and cousin Isikeli Gavidi who was Fiji’s middleweight champion when I was only 15-years-old.

“Unfortunately, I gave up boxing when my father died while still a Year 10 student at All Saints Secondary School in Labasa.”

HEAVIES RETURN

Professional boxing is brewing with growing interest in the heavyweight division.

With the return of champion Petero Qica, the division has now received interest from former amateur boxers such as Isikeli Navuni, Nadi resident Samisomi. Harimoni, Rotuman giant Vilisoni Tigarea. James Singh and Francis Rounds of Nadi.

Qica will find it tough this time around as his opponents are younger than him.

It will also boost his morale and make him train harder to defend his title.

At the moment Bukuya native Vilimoni Taganikula is the number one contender for the heavyweight title.

The Boxing Commission of Fiji is working with local and overseas promoters with anticipation the next heavyweight sensation to come out from the Pacific will rise from Fiji. He’s to follow the footstep of the likes of Samoan greats David Tua, Joseph Parker and Fiji’s Kali Meehan.

Edited by Osea Bola

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