Kolitapa Urges Young Girls To Join Boxing

While teenage girls her age prefer to take up the usual choice for sports Merewalesi Vulavou Saumaiwai Kolitapa has set her goal on boxing.

Growing up in a family of boxers, she is continuing the legacy.

The 14-year-old Sigatoka Methodist College student is inviting young girls to try their hands on boxing.

Kolitapa is a member of the Butterfly Boxing club in Sigatoka.

Her parents Aiki Temo Kolitapa and Visila Koliqaqaru Lagilagi are both former boxers while her brothers Alivereti Lagilagi Dodomo and Joe Nesta Rasovo are also into boxing.

“I started boxing when I was about seven-years-old and had my first fight when I was 12,” she said.

“It’s for self-defense. Boxing has been part of me since I was born. After trying it out in the ring I have seriously taken the sport and I am encouraging young girls to it take up boxing.”

The Year 10 student has fought 13 bouts so far.

“For this year, we have the Oceania coming up and also the Golden Gloves; I don’t know if I have an opponent for that, however I still train at home every day.

“I know boxing is the least favourite sport for girls; but I want to encourage young women to take up boxing for self-defense.”

While her parents allow her to take part in athletics, she could not play rugby.

“It’s always been about boxing for our family; my mother stopped me from playing other sports like rugby because one injury can cost me my boxing career, so I’m sticking to that.

Eldest brother, Dodomo, currently holds the New South Wales lightweight title while Rasovo is in the national junior squad with her.

Kolitapa is a middle distance runner and had represented her school at the 2023 Coca-Cola Games, in the 400 metres, 800m and 4x400m relay.

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