Boxers to build legacy at Commonwealth Games

The new breed of elite amateur boxers, led by team captain Jone Davule, representing Fiji at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, intend to create their own legacy and a pathway in the sport.

This was the view of Cam Todd, head coach of Fiji Amateur Boxing, in an interview with yesterday.

“It’s important to all of them,” Todd said.

“They want to be recognised for their work, and want to show young athletes in Fiji that it can be achieved,” he said.

The Commonwealth Games will be held from July 23 to August 2.

“We started with what we call an analysis of last year’s eligible boxers and then, through a series of box-offs and competitions,” Todd said.

“We submitted five boxers to the National Olympic Committee to be considered for selection, and the final five were selected and finalized just recently.”

The other boxers who will represent Fiji include Aminiasi Saratibau, Ben Maukakala, and Elijiah Qiokata.

Jasmine Daukamakama is the sole female boxer on the team.

Todd said his five boxers are in their final phase of preparation for the Commonwealth Games.

He added that the five selected boxers gained exposure at the Multi-Nationals in April, while three of them competed in Samoa two weeks ago.

“It’s just to help with their final preparations, and we are training full-time at the moment,” he said.

“The only challenge we have here is the lack of quality opposition and competition. Northern Hemisphere countries have the luxury of consistently competing around the world.”

The Fiji amateur boxing team will look to produce strong results at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

“Every coach wants to win medals, but for me, I want to see them deliver their best performances,” Todd said.

“I’m looking for all the boxers to achieve the bare minimum, which is a top 10 finish, and then we’ll see from there.”

Todd has advised his boxers, led by Davule, to draw from their faith and adopt a fearless mindset in training.

“The name of our boxing team is ‘Fearless Fijians’,” he said.

“Fearlessness, faith and family are what give them the drive and power they need.”

Todd has been pleased with his five elite boxers’ attitude toward training during their preparation.

“They are learning to become more professional in the way they prepare, with their nutrition and training,” he said.

“I’m really impressed with the energy and effort they are putting in.”

Todd said the Commonwealth Games is a good platform to assess and prepare the five boxers for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, USA, and the 2032 Summer Olympics in Brisbane, Australia.

“I’m looking at long-term development, and this is one of the stepping stones for the team,” he said.

“The more professional they become, the better they will be. When the young boxers come through, they will follow in their footsteps.”