Naliva’s Shock Loss
Fiji light heavyweight champion Savenaca Naliva lost on a split points decision to an unknown Alivereti ‘Machine Gun’ Doidoi in their six-round boxing clash at Prince Charles Park, Nadi, on Saturday night.
Monday 17 October 2022 | 15:15
Alivereti Doidoi (right) wins on a split points decision against Savenaca Naliva. Photo: Waisea Nasokia
Fiji light heavyweight champion Savenaca Naliva lost on a split points decision to an unknown Alivereti ‘Machine Gun’ Doidoi in their six-round boxing clash at Prince Charles Park, Nadi, on Saturday night.
The 21-year-old Doidoi making his professional boxing debut also put Naliva to the canvas in the sixth round.
“I’m excited about the win,” he told SUNsports.
“My aim is to get more fights and move up. I’m too serious about it. I first watched Naliva fight in 2012 when I was 10.”
Doidoi hails from Vatubalavu in Navosa. He had nine amateur boxing fights- eight wins and a loss since 2018.
The former Nasinu Secondary School student said during his school days he always train at Gyan Singh’s Uptown Boxing Club.
Vatubalavu is renowned for producing top boxers like Ilavi Bose, Jone Rokovesa, Filipe Tuivuna, Semesa Banuve and Joeli Koliloa to name a few.
Doidoi is sponsored by Kings Boxing gym and trained by his brother Alipate Takiwai. and former Fiji cruiserweight knockout king Sakeasi ‘The Bomb’ Dakua.
Naliva was gracious in defeat indicating that he respected the decision of the judges.
“I did give what I could. We can go for a rematch, I have to work harder. My opponent is young and we need this kind of gutsy boxers to shape the future of Fijian boxing.”
In the main bout Fiji cruiserweight champion Alivereti Kauyaca stopped Esira Natotomu in the sixth round.
Meanwhile, Fiji heavyweight champion James Singh’s unsportsmanship conduct cost him the fight against Isaia Rasila.
Singh dropped Rasila to the canvas in the first round but was alleged to be making comments at the judges and those outside the ring.
Referee and judges coordinator, Allan Harris said Singh performed unprofessionally and made remarks while in the ring.
“I can fight one to three or four boxers here. But if the guy was not fit it was not my fault,” Singh said.
“I had two days to prepare. They gave it as a no contest decision but everybody knows that I won fair and square.”
South Pacific Boxing Promotions promoter Fredy Chand said the decision was up to the judges and the referee.
Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj
