Aussie boxers raring to go - 23rd October 2007
(Credit: The Fiji Times)

A TEAM of 10 indigenous Australian boxers arrived in Suva to participate in two tournament match ups this week with local boxers from Boxing Fiji.

The boxers are from different part of Australia and the team is led by manager Syl John and coach Neville Munn.

Also accompanying the team is Michael Connolly as a cultural ambassador.

Australia High Commissioner James Batley said, "the high commission is delighted to help sponsor this visit to promote sporting links between Australia and Fiji, in particular involving indigenous Australian sportsmen.

Batley said Aboriginal boxers held an outstanding place in the history of the sport in Australia, with legends such as Lionel Rose, Tony Mudine and now Anthony Mudine being household names in Australia.

Apart from the boxing matches, the visiting team members will take time out to learn more about Fiji and its people and the blend of different cultures that exist here.

They will also be liaising with Rotary to distribute books and other items to nearby communities.

Representing different weight divisions, the boxers will compete at the Lower Civic Auditorium tonight and again on Thursday against a team of young boxers from Fiji. Also part of the Australian team is former Fiji boxing official and match referee, Seru Whippy who now lives in Brisbane.

Profiles

Indigenous Australian Boxing Team

Boxing

Michael Connolly

Fiji