Boxing enthusiasts in general and those of the Indo-Fijian community in particular, can expect bouts of excitement as pugilist Wahid Khan faces Sam Ula, a young Samoan from the Mangere Boxing Club next month.
The two welterweights will battle it out at the ASB Netball Courts Gym, located at 95 Browns Road, Manurewa on November 12.
The main supporting bout will feature Ambika Prasad Junior, the top Welterweight of Fiji (after Sakaraia Ve) pitched against Arfan Khan.
The event, beginning at 6 pm, will also feature nine bouts including a match between youths from Al Farooq and Al Mustafa Mosques.
As in the past, ‘Fiji Relief 2000,’ a Charitable Group, is organising the annual event, with the aim of reviving boxing as a good game among the Indian community.
This great sport calls for intense training, discipline and a good mindset. Boxing was considered a ‘Manly Sport’ in Fiji in the 1970s. It is unfortunate that this is a dying sport.
Given the right environment and encouragement, Boxing could win the attention and following of the younger generation of Indian origin in New Zealand and Fiji.
The youth in both countries are rather apathetic towards getting into the ring. As a part of the efforts to revive the game, I readily accepted an invitation from the Fiji Boxing Federation to conduct a two-day ‘Referee and Judges Clinic’ in Fiji in April.
Boxing matches attract at least 5000 people, who would want ‘action’ throughout the eight-fight programme, he said.
There is therefore a need for an increasing number of youngsters to enter the ring. They must undergo rigorous training and be physically fit to participate in matches.
For further information, please call 021-2609104. Email: fmkhan@xtra.co.nz
