The Kolitapa family is celebrating a powerful comeback in the boxing arena as siblings Nesta Kolitapa and 14-year-old Merewalesi Kolitapa prepare to step into the ring for the Vodafone Ratu Sukuna Bowl Boxing finals today.
Their mother, Visila Kolitapa, a former national boxer and Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) board member, has expressed her deep gratitude to God for the opportunity and for her son’s return to elite competition.
Visila says that her 18-year-old Nesta, who recently entered a new level and category, had faced a period of discouragement after missing several tours due to the high cost and long travel from Sigatoka to major competitions.
She adds that both he and his sister had been deprived of opportunities they worked hard for and did not deserve to miss.
Visila shares that at one point, Nesta had even started losing interest in training and wearing the gloves.
She adds that the Fiji Police boxing team played a crucial role in welcoming him back and rebuilding his confidence.
Their assurance that his passion will never die helped reignite his motivation.
She says that family support was strong on the day, with relatives across Suva gathering to cheer for Nesta.
She highlighted that he faced a tough opponent, young champion Jesoni Matakitotoya, whom Nesta holds in high respect.
Despite the challenge, Nesta secured an unexpected victory at his new level, a moment he and his mother immediately credited to God.
A thrilling series of Police and Army matchups unfolded in a day packed with intensity, resilience, and decisive victories in the Ratu Sukuna Bowl Boxing semi-finals.
The competition featured fourteen bouts, including several all-Army and all-Police contests, with fighters showcasing skill, power, and endurance across the card.
Police fighters opened the day strongly as Ben Williams set the tone with a hard-earned 2–1 victory over Kelevi Mavi, followed by another narrow 2–1 win from Keleto Takele against Peni Tuione in the 60kg–65kg category.
Josaia Veiqaravi extended the Police momentum with a similar 2–1 result over Semi Koroi in the 65kg–70kg category.
Police standout Nesta Kolitapa took a 2–1 win over Jesoni Matakitotoya before Jame Miramira delivered a commanding 3–0 win over Josefa Mafoa in the 70kg–75kg category.
Meli Naulumu overcame Meli Cabebula with a 3–0 result in the 75kg–80kg category.
Solomoni Tikosuva added another 2–1 victory against Sakiusa Narara, and Army’s Mosese Banuve added a decisive 3–0 win over Maikeli Matakibau in the 80kg–85kg category.
Tome Vula earned another clean 3–0 win over Tikiko Tavalevu, while Jone Tuitabu kept the Police scoreboard rising with a 2–1 win over Noa in the 85kg–90kg category.
Foama Colacavanua completed the Army’s strong showing with a 3–0 win against Victor Rova in the 90kg–95kg category.
Buli Colavanua from Police and Pita Nasowaqa from Army closed their campaign with an abandonment victory.
Aminiasi Saratibau secured a referee-stoppage victory against Naibuka Komaivalu.
Looking at today's competition, the netball and volleyball will start at 9am at the National Netball Centre, the rugby league match will be held at 1pm at Bidesi Grounds and the boxing will be held at 2.30pm at the Police Academy in Nasova.
Soccer will be held at 11am tomorrow at Subrail Park, with the women’s rugby starting at 11am on Friday and the main men’s rugby challenge at 3pm.
