Former Fiji middleweight champ passes on

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The late Atama Raqili. Picture: SUPPLIED

FORMER Fiji middleweight champion Atama Raqili has passed away after a short illness.

The Macuata native was one of the top boxers in the country.

He began his boxing career in the late 1980’s, coached by the late Jone Raibevu and later on held Fiji’s middleweight title.

Fiji Boxing Commission chairman Sara Bulutani said the boxing fraternity has lost one of the most influential boxers in the country.

“We are saddened to hear the passing of Mr Raqili, he contributed a lot to the Fiji Boxing family in terms of representing the country and his loss is an unfortunate one for us,” said Bulutani.

Uptown boxing club boxer Sebastian Singh was also mentored by the late Raqili and is still trying to come to terms with his loss.

“Atama was one of the few people that trained ever since I started boxing. When I was a kid, no one could ever believe that I would become a boxer except Atama,” said Singh.

“Losing him is a loss for us and also for Fiji Boxing, he was always very helpful and always avail himself to train the young ones no matter how busy he is.”

“We will surely miss him, especially the Uptown Boxing club and everyone he has made an impact on.”

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