Naivakabula stuns Tuimaba in dream pro debut
The Nausori-based boxer said he had been preparing for an amateur competition in Ba before receiving the late call-up.
Thursday 30 July 2026 | 10:30
Tevita Naivakabula (left) won his first professional bout against Poasa Tuimaba on July 25, 2026.
Photo: Josua Buredua
Tevita Naivakabula made a dream start to his professional boxing career, stopping Poasa Tuimaba by second-round technical knockout in their light heavyweight bout at last Saturday’s Kings Boxing Promotion at Suva’s Vodafone Arena.
The 24-year-old from Natewa, Cakaudrove produced one of the biggest upsets of the night after accepting the fight two days’ earlier and defeating the more experienced Tuimaba, who had previously beaten him in the amateur ranks.
“I was not expecting to beat Poasa Tuimaba because this was my first professional fight. Tuimaba had already turned professional, and he had defeated me when we fought in the amateur competition, so I honestly wasn’t expecting to win,” Naivakabula told SUNsports after the fight.
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Tevita Naivakabula made a dream start to his professional boxing career, stopping Poasa Tuimaba by second-round technical knockout in their light heavyweight bout at last Saturday’s Kings Boxing Promotion at Suva’s Vodafone Arena.
The 24-year-old from Natewa, Cakaudrove produced one of the biggest upsets of the night after accepting the fight two days’ earlier and defeating the more experienced Tuimaba, who had previously beaten him in the amateur ranks.
“I was not expecting to beat Poasa Tuimaba because this was my first professional fight. Tuimaba had already turned professional, and he had defeated me when we fought in the amateur competition, so I honestly wasn’t expecting to win,” Naivakabula told SUNsports after the fight.
The Nausori-based boxer said he had been preparing for an amateur competition in Ba before receiving the late call-up.
“My preparations were not where I wanted them to be because I wasn’t expecting to fight at the Kings Boxing Promotion.
“I was preparing for an amateur competition in Ba on the 30th, so it was a late opportunity.”
Despite the limited preparation, Naivakabula seized the opportunity to claim a memorable victory in his professional debut.
“First of all, I thank God Almighty for giving me the strength to win.
“I also thank my coach for guiding me and my opponent for giving me a good fight.”
Naivakabula previously represented the Cam Todd-coached Team Fiji amateur boxing squad at the Pacific Nations Boxing Tournament at the FMF Gymnasium in April.
Although he missed selection for the Commonwealth Games, he made an impressive start to his professional career.
“My preparations were not where I wanted them to be because I wasn’t expecting to fight at the Kings Boxing Promotion.
“I was preparing for an amateur competition in Ba on the 30th, so it was a late opportunity.”
Despite the limited preparation, Naivakabula seized the opportunity to claim a memorable victory in his professional debut.
“First of all, I thank God Almighty for giving me the strength to win.
“I also thank my coach for guiding me and my opponent for giving me a good fight.”
Naivakabula previously represented the Cam Todd-coached Team Fiji amateur boxing squad at the Pacific Nations Boxing Tournament at the FMF Gymnasium in April.
Although he missed selection for the Commonwealth Games, he made an impressive start to his professional career.
