OPETI Tagi is eyeing a win against Rey Anton Olarte in the Naidiri Boxing Promotions program in Nadi this evening in a bid to secure higher ranked overseas opponents.
Dubbed as the "Naitasiri Prince" Tagi will face Olarte who is ranked ninth in the light welterweight category in Australia in a 10 x 3minute contest.
Tagi rated Rey as a formidable opponent.
"I'm very pleased with the support I received during my preparations," Tagi said. "I have seen Rey fight. He is good but I'm ready to take him on. This fight is an important one for me. If I win it will open up doors for bigger things in the future."
The weigh-in for the two boxers was prolonged after Tagi tipped the scales two and a half kilograms heavier which prompted the Olarte's manager George Reno to object to the contest.
Olarte weighed 67.8kg while Tagi was 70.3kg. According to Reno they had agreed the two boxers to be at the 68kg mark.
"Anton is coming up from the junior welterweight category," Reno said. "We had agreed at 68kg so over 70kg is a bit too much."
Tagi was forced to shed his weight by going for runs twice before he tipped the scale at 69.5kg prompting Reno to the green light for his boxer to fight.
Reno said Tagi was a tough boxer.
"We will not underestimate him," Reno said. "If you go looking for a knockout it does not happen all the time. We will take each round as it comes."
Junior Farzan Ali who was supposed to face Tagi but pulled out because of an injury predicted Rey to win the battle.
"If Opeti makes a mistake then it will be a bad night for him. Experience will make a difference in this bout," Junior Farzan said
"I want Opeti to win as he is flying Fiji's flag in the program."
The program will start at 5pm with the amateur bouts.
Program: 4x3m Franko Fraser-Aisea Raqili, Sachin Mudaliar-Ajmat Manna; 6x3m Isaia Maku Junior, Ulaiasi Naivogo Junior, Waisale Ratu-Ronald Naidu, Alipate Naqata-Napoleon Taumoepeau; 10x3m Opeti Tagi-Rey Anton Olarte.