Fiji boxers keeping a low profile ahead of Commonwealth Games medal bid

While Fiji's rugby stars often dominate the headlines, the nation's amateur boxers are quietly preparing for a shot at Commonwealth Games glory, hoping to add to the country's proud but limited medal record in the sport.

Fiji's first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medal was won by boxer Sane Fine in the light heavyweight division at the 1982 Games in Brisbane, Australia.

Since then, only judoka Nacanieli Takayawa in 2002 and weightlifter Eileen Cikamatana in 2018 have matched that achievement.

The last Fijian boxer to win a Commonwealth Games medal was Winston Hill, who claimed bronze at the 2018 Games on the Gold Coast.

As Fiji prepares for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, two boxers are being viewed as strong medal prospects.

They are Jone Koroilagilagi Davule in the men's 60kg lightweight division and Aminiasi Saratibau in the men's 80kg light heavyweight division.

Also selected in the squad are Ben Maukakala (65kg welterweight), Elijah Qiokata (70kg light middleweight) and Fiji's only female boxer, Jasmine Daukamakama, who will compete in the women's 57kg featherweight division.

The team has been preparing under internationally recognised amateur boxing coach Cam Todd, who previously trained former world heavyweight title challenger David Tua.

Speaking to SUNsports during the team's medical check-up at Olympic House in Suva, Saratibau said the squad was focused and determined.

“We want to make our country proud,” the 27-year-old said.

“Our preparations are still in progress, we have just finished participating in two competitions.”

The Suva-based soldier said the team recently competed at the Pacific Tri Nations tournament in Suva before travelling to Apia, Samoa, for a tournament organised by Tua, who challenged Lennox Lewis for the world heavyweight title in 2000.

“We managed to grab medals from there and it was a big improvement in terms of our preparations and performance,” he said.

Despite the encouraging results, Saratibau said there was still work to be done before Glasgow.

“There are few areas that our coach has spotted in our technique, that we need to work on,” he said.

Saratibau believes the squad will be able to address those areas before departure.

He said the team's ambitions were clear.

“Our goals for the Commonwealth Games, is to win a gold, silver or a bronze medal for Fiji,” he added.