Former champion Pita Tabuarua trains son for Kings Boxing bout

Former Fiji boxing champion Pita Tabuarua is hoping his son, Jone Tabuarua, can make his mark in the professional ranks when he fights Masitoqi Rokotuva at the Kings Boxing Promotions in Suva on Saturday night.

The former lightweight, welterweight and middleweight champion, who dominated Fiji's boxing scene in the late 1990s with his sharp jabs and powerful left hooks, is now training his 24-year-old son for the bout at Vodafone Arena.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, Tabuarua said Jone had made a winning start to his professional career.

"My son had his first pro fight against Mohammed Ali at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, two months ago where he won on points," Tabuarua said.

"Jone had attended Queen Victoria School and I'm training him since he wanted to turn pro after a few fights in amateur boxing. My eldest son Kiniviliame Rokotagane is an amateur boxer based in London, where he is fighting in the heavyweight division."

Tabuarua said preparations had been going well at Qelekuro Village in Tailevu North.

"We've respect for our opponent since he is an experienced boxer who has knocked out Mohammed Ali and Saimone Ratu. He also has fought top boxers like Rakuro Dauvavana along with Jacob Clenshaw of Australia."

Tabuarua said the game plan was to win by knockout and they had been working hard towards that goal.

Kings Boxing Promotions promoter Nahroon Buksh confirmed the official weigh-in would be held tomorrow at 2pm at Ratu Sukuna Park in Suva.