Rakuro prove doubters wrong

Determination and national pride are the elements that shaped Fijian boxer Ratu Rakuro Daunivavana to claim the Australasian Welterweight title in Brisbane, Australia on Saturday night.

This is after the Buca Bay Prince defeated his Australian opponent Yungubaddijarri Yanner by technical knock-out (TKO) in the co-event of the NXT boxing promotion.

“It was a great experience,” Daunivavana said.

“We came with a lot of doubts on our backs, but we got the job done.”

He added that his camp was secretive about his preparation phase in Australia.

“Everybody was shocked, even my family didn’t expect the win,” he said.

“After the fight, my phone was blowing up with family calling and it’s all hard work paid off.”

Daunivavana was grateful towards the support he received from the Fijian community in Sydney and Gold Coast.

“They showed up and we did what we were training for.

“We stuck to the game plan. We’ve been training hard and the hard work paid off.”

With the Fijian flag draped on Daunivavana’s shoulder in the ring, he was inspired to fight for his country.

“There was a lot of support from people back in Fiji who were hoping that I win the fight and they also supported me financially,” he said.

“I got in the ring, and they motivated me to win the fight.”

The humble and resilient boxer has been working hard to persevere in his boxing career despite facing so many hurdles in his life.

Daunivavana lost his mother and son in 2024, but he remains committed to his boxing to honour them.

“There’s always obstacles and negativity that will come along the way, but it won’t divert us from the goal,” he said.

“We just do what we love to do, to make the family and nation proud. I couldn’t be happier.”

Daunivavana intends to change the narrative behind Fijian boxers losing in overseas bouts.

“We just need to come early, get acclimatised as we are all human beings. We are Fijians who are known for their grit and strength.”

Daunivavana said winning overseas bouts was possible with determination, focus, and discipline.

He spent a week in Toowoomba, Queensland before his fight.

“I have witnessed it in my experience coming into this fight, With the right planning we’ll definitely get the win,” Daunivavana said.

“To all the boxers, this belt is not just for me, it’s a pride for the country and motivation for them to ensure that nothing is impossible in terms of winning overseas bouts.”

Daunivavana dedicated his win to his coaches Osea Nanovu and Nesta Ranuku.

“It’s also for my Grid security and Mahana Pearl family who’s been helping us financially.”

“To the people of Fiji, this win is for the nation, and I’ve never been proud to represent the blue flag.”