FABA Plans to Revive Boxing in Vanua Levu

Source: Fiji Sun

The Fiji Amateur Boxing Association (FABA) plans to revive amateur boxing in Vanua Levu.

This was revealed by FABA Referee and Judges (R&J) development coordinator Seru Whippy.

The former FABA president said Labasa, Taveuni and Savusavu are the main districts where FABA would like to spread its wings to.

This is to accommodate the most recent interest expressed by several key stakeholders including former boxers Nat Ledua and Buli Raiwalui.

"Our plan includes making initial contact and physically meeting up with these stakeholders and putting forward a strategy for the establishment of what could be possibly called the Northern Boxing Association," he said.

"Notwithstanding the fact that there was an inaugural programme held in Seaqaqa several years ago, which was part and parcel of FABA development programme but this faded away due to certain variables outside our immediate control.

"We need to build a solid foundation by engaging more stakeholders, establish a home in the North, formalise a constitution and address governance and other related policies to reduce our exposures."

Whippy emphasised relevant stakeholders should set a meeting date to start off their planning.

He added a boxing programme was already planned for boxing in Savusavu at the end of the year.

"I'd say (a meeting) before the end of February 2024 and then a possible programme date, time and location will then be discussed and hopefully confirmed," Whippy said.

"We greatly appreciate and endorse Nat Ledua's comments and we would like to hear more from him so that we can combine our resources to re-introduce amateur boxing in the North.

"FABA being the national boxing federation, it will have certain conditions that need to be adhered to under the ambit of our constitution including that of IBA (International Boxing Association)."

He indicated Ledua may have been aware of these plans as they would need to re-establish a common ground of understanding which also covers the most recent changes of IBA Policies, code of conduct and competition and technical regulations.

This is universally applicable to all affiliated national boxing federations.

"FABA does not make the rules but endorses and applies locally these IBA made rules as an obligation," Whippy said.

"There are several matters arising out of this that urgently needs to be addressed in-house with the board members to refresh their minds since the last sponsored event in Seaqaqa.

"Importantly, to help revive boxing there is a urgent need of a safe and fully equipped boxing ring, trained and accredited technical officials, identify an income stream (via a sponsor) without totally being overly dependent of gate takings, amongst other pertinent requirements but I personally believe this is achievable and within our reach," he added.