Ravalaca ready

WBA (World Boxing Association) Oceania lightweight champion Mikaele Ravalaca is ready to fight anyone that steps into the ring

The 23-year-old will defend the title against Digari Mahesh of India after Rohit Chauhan withdrew five days before the King Boxing Promotion gets underway at Suva’s Vodafone Arena, on Saturday.

The Ra native said he has been training the last 12 weeks under trainers Nesta Ranuku and Osea Nanovu.

Mahesh’s record on BoxRec showed he had 12 wins including eight knockouts (KO); he had five losses and one draw compared to Ravalaca’s eight wins with seven KOs and one loss.

“I’ve been searching up this guy and he was supposed to fight in Australia last Friday but the bout was cancelled,” Ravalaca said of his opponent.

“I know he’s ready and he’s better than Rohit (Chauhan). It is going be a very good test for me and I’m ready for it.”

Despite having a last minute change of opponent, Ravalaca said his preparation remains the same. He added Fijian fans should expect an exciting title fight.

“Every fight is going to be a new Mika Ravalaca in the ring,” he said.

“If I’m having like a new opponent coming and it’s going to be different on that night, and it’s going to be a really tough Ravalaca.”

He added that Indian boxers including Mahesh have been a familiar sight on the world stage of amateur boxing before turning professionals.

“My message to fans is to come out in numbers, and support local boxing, because it’s going more tough than Rohit.”

This Saturday night’s fight would also have boxing scouts who are eyeing boxers for exhibition fights in Las Vegas, United States.

“I’m focusing on myself. I don’t focus on any other thing,” Ravalaca said.

“I don’t focus on money or anything, because the money is going to come after. I’m working hard and believing in my talent and to show the young boys in Fiji, and we can do it on the world stage.”

Asked if he is going for a knockout win, Ravalaca said: “Knockout- it’s going to come. I’ll be patient, and when the time is right and I’ll end the flight.”

Promoter Naroon Buksh said: “He (Chauhan) had sent the medical certificate that he’s not coming over. So it’s something beyond our control. But our job is to have a replacement ready and we have got a good replacement for Rohit, who’s got a better record and he’s a better and tougher boxer.”

He also confirmed an extra international bout which will see USA’s Anthony Welsh fighting Nigerian Yusuf Adenji in the junior middleweight contest.