There is no set path that leads an
individual to pursue a career in professional boxing, but in a sport that
attracts a range of characters, Jone Volau Taukeinikoro’s journey to
lacing up the gloves is more unconventional than most.
A native of Fiji with little interest in
boxing, ‘TK’ moved to the United Kingdom at the age of 18 to pursue a career in
the British Armed Forces. Upon settling, the pugilistic sport soon grasped his
attention.
“Boxing has never been popular in Fiji.
Instead we are born with a rugby ball in our hands and are well known as the
kings of rugby sevens.
“But when I joined the army, boxing caught
my attention and as a result I jumped straight into it. That was that and I’ve
been boxing since. I love the sport. It’s got everything.”
After over ten years in the army, TK now
serves as a bombardier with the Royal Artillery based in Thirsk. And the Fijian
has not only gained success in his military career but also in the ring – where
he was twice crowned the Combined Services boxing champion.
An extensive career in the unpaid ranks saw
the 32-year-old face a number of top amateurs. He fought against Rio 2016
hopeful Frazer Clarke, and was even matched to face Anthony Joshua in the ABAs,
before being withdrawn by his coach.
"I was matched to face Anthony Joshua at
the 2011 ABAs. This was before he had been selected for Team GB. After the
weigh-in my coach, Tony Davies said that he was too strong and too big, and I
should just re-enter next year.
“I was gutted as I was there to learn but I
took my coach’s advice. Joshua has shown his class to get to the stage where is
fighting for a world title. I’m working my way from the bottom, but hopefully
one day I’ll be near the top of the sport.”
TK faces a challenge in balancing full-time
work alongside training, but in his professional debut towards the end of last
year he displayed a certain grit and determination that could take him far in
the professional ranks.
In that outing, the Fijian scored a points
victory over the experienced Larry Olumbamiwo. And on March 26, at Gateshead
Leisure Centre, TK is aiming to continue his winning momentum and add another
win to his tally.
“I cannot wait to get back in the ring. I
have even more friends and family coming up. Last time on my professional debut
I gave away over three stone, and as a result I was wary of his power. But this
time around I’ve been working on keeping busy and getting in and out of range.
“It’s good having power but with being a
smaller heavyweight I’ve got to use my advantages like my hand-speed and moving
around the ring to outbox my opponent.”
While boxing is not popular in his native
country, TK draws inspiration from his uncle, who won a gold medal for Fiji at
the South Pacific games. With an accolade of such magnitude, he believes that
success in boxing could run in the family – with the help of Fighting Chance
coaches Ron Rowe and Gary Barr.
“I was introduced to Fighting Chance by a
friend. After training and sparring for a few months I asked Ron if they would
take me on as a professional. They eventually said yes, and I was over the
moon with that decision. It was a big honour to join the team - Gary and Ron don’t take anyone on,
you have to show that you really want it.”
He added: “I’ve joined the right gym. I’ve been constantly learning and
improving. I want to make Ron, the Fighting Chance stable and my workmates
proud.
“In December I am going to push for a
Northern Area title fight. But I’ve got to work hard to get there. I want to
get to domestic level, and then aim beyond that.”
Fighting Chance Promotions host ‘Genesis’ – a night of professional boxing show on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre. The bill includes an array of North East talent, including Jon-Lewis Dickinson, Glenn Foot, Josh Leather, Jone TK and Mark White amongst others.
Tickets can be purchased from any of the boxers on the bill or from www.fightingchancepromotions.co.uk
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