BY CHRIS ALEX
A fortnight ago at the recently concluded XVII Pacific Games, Max Makana won a silver medal after being defeated by Fijian boxer Davule Jone in a closely contested boxing match in the men’s 60kg amateur category at the SIFF academy in Honiara, an early step in his promising future in boxing.
Now that it’s a recorded history, Max Makana remained undeterred by the outcome and expressed his determination to use this setback as motivation for future competitions.
“I will pick up on this fight to improve in some areas for any future competition. It is what it is, but I will continue to train hard and come back stronger next time. I will be fighting until I win gold for my country,” he told RAW SPORTS.
Max, a rising star in Solomon Islands boxing, displayed admirable sportsmanship, acknowledging the unpredictability of the sport. He emphasized his commitment to honing his skills and learning from this experience to emerge victorious in future competitions.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to represent my country on this stage. I will use this setback as motivation to train harder and come back stronger in future bouts,” he said.
Max expressed gratitude for the support he received from his country and vowed to learn from the experience.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to represent my country on this stage. I will use this setback as motivation to train harder and come back stronger in future bouts,” Makana affirmed.
Max graciously accepted the silver medal after a hard-fought battle against Fijian contender Davule Jone, demonstrating the competitive nature of the Pacific Games.
He expressed gratitude to his dad, family, friends, and fans for their unwavering support throughout the tournament.
“I want to thank everyone who came out to show me very strong support tonight. Your encouragement means the world to me,” the young boxer said.
Max Makena’s journey to secure a gold medal for the country continues, and local fans are eagerly anticipating his triumphant return to the ring in future competitions.
Former Solomon Islands boxing sensation Sam Ledi, renowned for his achievements in the boxing arena, shared his insights into Makana’s potential and offered constructive feedback on areas for improvement.
He expressed high hopes for the promising young boxer Max Makana, despite Makana settling for a silver medal in the gripping showdown for the men’s 60kg category at the Pacific Games.
“Max Makana is a formidable fighter with impressive speed and an aggressive style. However, he emphasized the need for Makana to intensify his training efforts to refine specific aspects of his technique,” Ledi said.
Ledi’s remarks reflect a mentor’s perspective, acknowledging Makana’s current skills while emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement.
Reflecting on Makana’s final bout against Fijian boxer Davule Jone, Ledi highlighted the significance of adhering to the rules and utilizing strategic advantages.
“In the Pacific Games, we have technical experts overseeing the matches. Winning requires more than just skill; it involves strategic play within the rules,” he said.
Ledi also drew attention to the tactical nature of boxing, emphasizing the need for precision in every punch. He advised Makana to view the defeat as a valuable lesson and an opportunity for growth.
“Max Makana is a very talented boxer, and despite the setback, he should use this experience to rebuild and enhance his skills. Every match is a chance to learn and improve,” the former national boxer said.
