Promising Tongan Boxers
p. 124 · Read in the full issue
Fijian Coach Boosts Promising Tongan Boxers
Suva, Mar. 8.
FIJI made a mistake by exporting a Fijian boxing coach to Tonga in 1947. Yesterday, a Tongan became the first non-Fijian to win the South Pacific heavyweight box
ing championship.
In 1947, a high Tongan chief, Sivai Tupou, depressed at the con stant failure of Tongan boxers whenever they came up against
Fijians, invited the unbeaten b\ retired Fijian heavyweight chan pion, Daunibau, to Tonga as coac and trainer.
On March 7, 1953, Kitione Lav from Vavau, Tonga, knocked 01 the formidable Miliano, of Ba, Fr in the fifth round of a schedule 12-round title fight at Ba. Lave one of Daunibau’s star pupils.
Two more of Daunibau’s protege each 6 ft. 2 in. in height and weigl ing 14 st., recently arrived fro] Tonga in search of Fijian opp< nents.