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Rotuman Sports

From Fiji Times Online (10 July 2010)

Change of heart for Mumu

by Anare Ravula

FIJI Amateur Boxing Association former light middleweight fighter Ilikimi Mumu has confirmed that he'll turn professional.

The slick fighter said he had decided to have a taste at the other rank after completing a colourful career in the amateurs.

"I would like to pit my skills against other professional opponents," he said.

The Waisomo village of Tavuki in Kadavu said he clearly understands the tough task that lay ahead but he was well equipped with the experience he had encountered from the amateur competitions.

In his mid 30s, Mumu said he will prove to others what he's capable of.

Mumu's interest in the sport eventuated from prison along with fellow mates such as Samuela Bale, Are Mosese, Kuliniasi Vasu and others in 1993.

"I got interested in boxing after watching these guys in traning for their weekly meet at the PWD gym at Walu Bay. The toughest opponent I came across is Vitori Natawake."

In 2002, Mumu had a stint overseas in Auckland together with fellow fighter Atunaisa Vodovodo after a successful outing in the Oceania meet.

"When the others returned to Fiji we stayed back for almost one year to compete against the NZ reps."

Also middleweight fighter, Mathew Michael opted to jump the wagon to have a taste as a professional.

With more than 30 fights as an amateur, the Juju, Rotuma lad said he has had enough as an amateur.

His goal was to fight his way through and represent Fiji in the Commonwealth and also the Olympics.

But with Fiji's omission from participation in both the international event, he had made up his mind to turn professional.