Manasa Baravilala
David Marawai
C/- FASANOC
P.O BOX 1279
SUVA
MEMBERSHIP
Districts – East (22)
Leweni Waqa Boxing Club, Gau Island - Old Capital Boxing Club, Levuka – Delainavesi Boxing Club - Nausori Boxing Club - Caubati Boxing Academy, Caubati - Jittu Boxing Stable, Raiwaqa - Kwadjo Boxing Academy, Suva -Rescue Boxing Club, Serua, Namosi - Uptown Boxing Club, Samabula - Team Boxing Brave, Nadera - Lighthouse Boxing Club, Suva - Newtown Boxing Club, Newtown - Raivolita Boxing Club, Raiwai, Suva - Police Boxing Club, PSRU, Nasinu - Army Boxing Club, QEB, Nabua - Nakasi Boxing Club, Nakasi - Wailoku Riverside Boxing Club - Split Rock Boxing Club, Navua - Lodoni Boxing Club, Lodoni, Tailevu - Newtown Amateur Boxing Club - Vatuwaqa Boxing Club, Suva - Fuata Optimum Boxing Club, Lami - Moturiki Boxing Club, Moturiki Island
West (15)
Rabi Boxing Club, Rabi Island - Ugly Boxing Club, Lautoka - Votua Boxing Club, Korolevu, Sigatoka - Butterfly Boxing Club, Vunavutu, Sigatoka - Draiba Boxing Club, Draiba Village, Navosa - Khan Boxing Club, Nadi – Vatukoula Boxing Club, Vatukoula – Veilomina Boxing Club, Navua – Boyz in the Hood Boxing Club, Namaka, Nadi – Labasa Boxing & Fitness Club, Labasa – Sorokoba Boxing Club, Ba – Seaside Boxing Club, Lautoka – Mulomulo Boxing Club, Nadi – Lal’s Boxing Club, Tavua Boxing Club, Tavua
2020 AIBA OCBC FORUM, Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, 21-23 February
Fiji was awarded hosting rights by AIBA in January 2020. This historic and first ever event for Fiji was attended by Interim AIBA President - Dr Mohamed Moustahsane, AIBA Chairman Marketing Commission and later AIBA President - Mr Umar Kremlev, OCBC President - Ted Tanner, ONOC President, IOC Board Member & Chairman IOC Solidarity Fund - Dr Robin Mitchell, President Boxing Fiji - Manasa Baravilala & Permanent Secretary for Youth & Sports, Nemani Maritino. Outcomes:
2020 OLYMPIC GAMES QUALIFICATION, Amman, Jordan, 28 February - 23 March
Rio Olympian Winston Hill and 2019 Pacific Games silver medalist Jone Davule Koroilagilagi were coached and managed by AIBA Star 2 Coach Pauliasi Ratu to this qualifying event. The tournament was initially scheduled for Wuhan, China from 30 January - 15 February, 2020 but the Covid Virus necessitated a change in venue and Jordan was selected. Both boxers failed to progress beyond the first round and lost by points. President Boxing Fiji requested at the AIBA OCBC Forum if Oceania could be granted its own qualification pathway to the Olympics, as was previously the practise to give credence and full value to the5 Olympic Rings and specifically Oceania.
LAUNCH of 2020 BOXING SEASON, Commander (Cmdr) Stan Brown Boxing Gym, Walu Bay - February
The Samoan Measles outbreak from September 2019 to January 2020 forced the National Federation to close its new Gym under instruction from Fiji’s Ministry of Health as a preventive measure. As of January 2020, there was over 5,700 cases and 83 deaths recorded in Samoa. In late January 2020 the Fijian Government lifted its’ ban and the 2020 boxing club competition was launched on Saturday, 1st February. We had clubs from both the Eastern &Western Divisions participating
LOCKDOWN – NO BOXING due to pandemic - March to July
The Fijian Government banned all sports as the pandemic struck the major countries of the world. In addition, the Government closed its borders to all international flights effectively protecting Fiji from the pandemic.
RESTART of National Club Competition July - December
The establishment of the Cmdr. Stan Brown Boxing Gym in Walu Bay, Suva was a tick off from the 2016-2020 Strategic Plan. The Walu Bay Gym created the foundation platform and permanence the Board had strived hard for years to establish to produce the desired outcome projected. The pandemic had an adverse effect on the economy and sports, but for amateur boxing it became a “silver lining.” From a total of 10 active clubs our registration rose to 37 clubs. The number of boxers at weigh-in went from 60 to around 300 boxers. The total bouts increased from 1-15 to 50-60 bouts for all grades.
JUNIOR, WOMEN, SCHOOL AGE Boys & Girls Introduction – July to December
The development by Clubs of Elite &Youth Women boxers, Juniors and “School Age Boys and Girls” boxers and their participation in the fortnightly competition changed the dynamics of the national club competition. In its last60-year history the clubs only supplied Youth and Elite Men Boxers. The inclusion of this new group of boxers has resulted in an increase in participation and spectator numbers. Our appreciation goes out to all Clubs, Coaches, Boxers and Club Officials frothier contribution to this phenomenal growth. The Board acknowledges the tireless efforts of the Competition Committee headed by Carson Young and his hardworking crew.
College of Honours Awards,State House – October
Boxing Fiji President’s nominees, Legends Alipate Korovou & Sakaraia Ve were awarded the 50th Anniversary Independence Medal for their outstanding contribution to Boxing, by the President of The Republic of Fiji, Mr Konrote at Government House, Suva. Alipate Korovou won Fiji’s first international boxing championship by beating New Zealander Monty Betham for the Commonwealth Middleweight Championship title. Ve twice fought for the Commonwealth title against Canadian Clyde Gray but fell short both times in the welterweight division. Both Korovou and Ve had amazing amateur and professional careers in and outside Fiji that has not been replicated by Fijian boxers in this modern era.
TRIBUTE Manu Koroi, Supervisor R&J & Boxing Team Manager – November
The sudden demise on 23 November of Supervisor Referee & Judges, Mr Lockwood Manueli Koroituinakelo, or “Manu Koroi,” came as a shock to the boxing fraternity as he had just officiated less than 36hours prior at the Cmdr Stan Brown Boxing Gym. Manu competed in the same gym, known then as PWD Gym representing United, PWD and later Prisons Boxing Clubs as a welterweight. Under AIBA Star 3Coach Seru Whippy, Manu was appointed the first Supervisor Referee & Judge for amateur boxing. Manu’s dedication and commitment to the National Federation & Board earned him unanimous selection as Boxing Team Manager to the 2016 Asian Oceania Olympic Qualifying Event, Qian’an China, 2017 Pacific Mini Games Vanuatu, 2018 Tri Nations Championship PNG and the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. At the annual Golden Gloves National Championship, three awards will be presented in Manu’s name to honour his memory and legacy. Thank you for your service and RIP Manu.
UMAR KREMLEV new AIBA President– December
Following the AIBAOrdinary Congress held virtually 12-13 December, 2020, AIBA Chairman MarketingCommission and Secretary General Russian Boxing Federation was elected President.
INAUGURAL KIDS BOXING PROGRAM – Cmdr Stan Brown Boxing Gym – December
The inaugural 3 weeks School Holiday BoxingProgram for Kids was launched in December, interrupted by Tropical Cyclone Yasa and completed in January 2021. The key deliverables - introduce boxing, build self-confidence, discipline and learn the fundamentals of boxing for Girls& Boys (7-16 years) in a safe and fun environment from AIBA & FABA certified and accredited coaches. The program was conducted at the Cdr Brown Boxing Gym in Walu Bay and over 40 girls and boys participated including two from Lomaloma, Vanuabalavu who were waiting on a ship to return home. The program was supervised by 4 Coaches including a certified Child Protection Officer, one of the two registered with Boxing Fiji. Separate toilets and change rooms were provided and refreshments and recovery food(oranges, bananas, apples, water melons) was provided at all sessions. Boxing Fiji records its appreciation to Fiji National Sports Commission for funding of the project. Forty Certificate of Participation were awarded to the girls and boys who participated in the program.
Activities in Development Programs / Junior Development Programmes Conducted
