Analysis: Former Fijian boxing champion Opeti Tagi has called on boxers to stop using the social media as a forum to challenge other boxers or to air their grievances.

The Serea, Naitasiri native said boxing is a gentleman sport and it’s not for hooligans.

“If you want to fight a boxer go talk with a promoter,” Tagi who once held the welterweight, middleweight and super middleweight titles said.

“As boxers we always respect each other.”

He indicated that Facebook is not the place for boxers to speak down on other people and sooner or later abusive words are being tossed about from all sides.

Boxing Commission of Fiji president Subhash Appana agreed with Tagi’s concern.

Appana also highlighted that such abusive comments tarnish the reputation of the sport in Fiji.

Perhaps, this should trigger BCF to put in place a social media policy which all stakeholders should adhere to.

This should be done to keep them on track and to focus on what is important.

For our upcoming and untested boxers more time should be well spent on improving their basic skills, ringcraft and fitness.

These will take them a long way in their boxing career.

It’s not easy but it’s all about blood, sweat and tears that counts in the end.

Let’s all hope for a social media policy to be put in place by the end of year so that boxers and promoters could toe the line and bring that respectability back in boxing.

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj