Ravalaca: Singh Next

Newly crowned WBA (World Boxing Association) Oceania lightweight champion Mikaele Ravalaca wants to fight Junior Binnu Singh next.

Ravalaca stopped Australian veteran boxer Francis Chua in the seventh round in their main supporting bout under the Stratum sponsored Zeg Kings Boxing Promotion at Suva’s Vodafone Arena last Saturday night.

The Ra native said the win was possible through divine intervention and the hard work they had put in during their preparations.

“I want to thank my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for this win and for giving me strength,” Ravalaca told SUNsports after the fight.

“Next is Binnu Singh at 59kg, anytime. This is a huge achievement for me, thanks to the promoter Nahroon Buksh for putting me on this show.”

He also thanked his trainer, family, fans and sponsor Fresh’et.

Chua’s trainer Angelo Hyder praised Ravalaca’s strength in the ring.

Hyder said Ravalaca has proved himself to those who had doubted him.

“Fiji, you have a star,” the world renowned trainer said. Chief Justice Salesi Temo also shared similar sentiments.

He acknowledged Ravalaca for showing young people that winning against Australia and New Zealand boxers was possible.

“This boy is a shining example of it. He has demonstrated his ability that Fiji has the possibility of winning in the international boxing arena,” Temo added.

In the main bout Binnu Singh knocked out Apichart Klintai of Thailand in the second round to claim the WBA interim Oceania lightweight title.

A jubilant Singh told SUNsports that he wants a return fight against Sydney-based Runqi Zhou who had won their earlier fight on a close points decision,

Other bouts

Journeyman Isikeli Senidoko is the new Fiji super middleweight champion after he scored a second round TKO (technical knock-out) win over Junior Abhay Chand.

Former WBO (World Boxing Organization) super flyweight champion Andrew Moloney was too strong for Pawan Kumar of India with a TKO win.

Other results:

Rohit Rohit (India) beat Filipe Nabua (Fiji) 6th round knockout; Keanu Nadan beat Apisai Naciqa 1st round knockout; Sami Dauloloma beat Savenaca Tuiratu 2nd round knockout; Kimo Vakalalabure beat Rev Anand on points; Sonny Morini (NZ) beat Mohammed Ali (Fiji) 2nd round knockout; Aarti Hooda (India) beat Laite Nanovu (Fiji) on points