Decision expected today after boxing medal confusion

 The winner of this year’s Vodafone Ratu Sukuna Bowl boxing competition will be clarified today. This was after a mix up in the medal count, which led to the controversial announcement of the winner on Wednesday after the finals. 

Tournament officials awarded the title to the Fiji Police Force. 

However, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) team disputed the decision claiming they had won the competition. 

The RFMF team alleged they had won nine bronze medals while Police got five. This was after they had the same number of gold and silver medals won. It was also claimed that Police had refused to return the title since the official announcement was done. 

The official Fiji Police Force Facebook page posted that the two disciplined forces were tied with four gold medals each and the winner was decided with the silver medal won where Police edged Army 5-3. 

When contacted Fiji Amateur Boxing Association (FABA) president Panapasa Daunakamakama said they had a board meeting yesterday to clear-up Wednesday’s issue and is expected to make a statement today. 

National boxing rep Aminiasi Saratibau (second from right) with teammates during the Ratu Sukuna Bowl boxing competition at Nasova on November 19, 2025.

Photo: RFMF

It is believed that some medals of the RFMF team were not counted. Daunakamakama reiterated that FABA does not run the Ratu Sukuna Bowl boxing tournament. 

“We only provided the officials which are the referees and judges,” he said. 

“We are working to clarify a few things. Once we have clarified the issue and then we will make an announcement. 

“We will make sure everything is tracked on our side before we can release anything. ” 

He added they could not provide any further comment. 

Meanwhile, Fiji amateur boxing head coach Cameron Todd said the three-day tournament was interesting. 

“It was intense and I’m happy with the standard of the boxing,” Todd said. 

“I’m quite surprised with the intensity of the Police and RFMF; you don’t get that kind of competition in New Zealand so it’s pretty cool. A little bit crazy but pretty cool,” he added.