Ratu wants title fight against Dauloloma

Journeyman Sainivalati Ratu has challenged Fiji heavy­weight boxing champion Semi Dauloloma for a title fight. He made the call on Saturday night after beating former Fiji heavyweight champion James 'Beast' Singh on points at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka.

The three judges scored 77-75, 77-75 and 78-74 all to Ratu.

The decision was disputed by Sin­gh who claimed that he had won all the rounds.

He demanded to have a look at the scorecards but it was turned down by the Boxing Commission of Fiji directors.

"All kings have their time of vic­tory, tonight was mine," Ratu told SUNsports after the fight.

"I had to stick to the game plan, stick and move and score points. James (Singh) is one of the best and I've beaten him, so I want (Semi) Dauloloma next," he said.

"I want to redeem myself. We met four times while in the amateurs but he could not knock me out, so I'm hoping for a chance to chal­lenge the belt."

Later, Singh admitted that he un­derestimated his opponent in the early rounds.

"I take the blame. I was not serious enough in the opening rounds. We can battle it out again," he added.

OTHER FIGHTS

Fiji super lightweight champion Mikaele Ravalaca scored a third round TKO (technical knockout) win over Kaliova Tahikia.

"We have been sparring together with Kaliova, but we both gave our best in the ring," Ravalaca said. "My next fight is in Suva in July so that will be another cracker."

Veteran Naitasiri middleweight boxer Jese Ravudi beat Filise Nabua on points in a toe-to-toe thriller.

"The hardwork over the last two months have paid off," Ravudi said.

"There has been a lot of criticism and talk about me, but I want to prove myself in the ring. I want overseas opponents.

"It does not look good fighting these young boxers because they will not get a chance anyway. If not Rohit (Chauhan of India), then anyone. I want promoters to bring them because I am ready now." Nawaka boxer Zulifikar Zaraan Ali stopped Ronesh Prasad in the sec­ond round.

New Zealand heavyweight boxer Naden Keanu scored a third round TKO win over Jonasa Kavika.

"It was a great fight for me against a bigger opponent and I'm happy to get the win against a strong war­rior," Keanu said.

"He did not make it easy for me. I would love to come back to Fiji to fight again. Fiji is a great place."

Lanky lightweight boxer Jone Tabuarua showed a lot of promise when he beat the highly fancied Mohammed Ali on points.

Tabuarua in the second round sent Ali sprawling on the canvas but he was able to beat the count.

Poasa Tuimaba proved too strong for Simoni Mario when the referee stopped the fight in the second round.

Rising star Rusiate Veremalua knocked out Tomu Gonetabua in second round and so was Junior Roshan Ali when he stopped Safroz Ali.