Boxer ready to rumble in Glasgow

Elijiah Qiokata intends to follow his grandfather’s footstep in amateur boxing.

Qiokata is the grandson of former amateur boxing light heavyweight champion and coach Marika Bolavucu.

He is one of the five elite amateur boxers selected to represent Fiji at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow Scotland, from July 23-August 2.

“I’m proud to represent my country in such a big tournament,” he said.

“As the youngest member of the team, I’ve been learning a lot.”

Qiokata will be fighting in the 70-kilogramme weight division.

“I expect it to be challenging as a young boxer. My aim is to win gold and make my nation proud.”

The 20-year-old does not feel any pressure heading to his first Commonwealth Games.

“Preparation has been good, and I’m slowly improving areas of my performance that I’ve been working on. I feel ready.”

Qiokata is grateful to boxing coach Cam Todd for his guidance during the team’s preparation phase.

“Coach Todd has been helping with my technique and fitness,” he said.

“Team captain Jone Davule has been helping me maintain my weight, so they’ve been a major help.”

Qiokata was inspired by his grandfather to take up boxing in 2020 when he joined the Wailoku Boxing Club.

“Most young people in the Wailoku community are under the influence of drugs.

“So with the boxing club, we are inspiring the young ones to stay away from drugs,” he said.