Respect is very much-needed if professional boxing in the country is to go a long way. This was the view of former trainer John Ramos. Speaking from Vancouver, Canada, Ramos said from reading comments on social media, there seems to be no respect among officials, boxers and other stakeholders. “We witness almost every day the wrongs that is being done in the sport,” he said. “During my time we always respect the sport and those associated with it especially inside and outside of the ring. “Almost every day I read about negative media reports about the boxing administrators, promoters or boxers bad mouthing their opponent, which is a disgrace.” Ramos said in the 1970s, boxers like Leweni Waqa, Alipate Korovou and Sakaraia Ve put Fiji on the world map. “They were our heroes but what set them apart is their respect for each other but moreover for the sport.” Korovou won the Commonwealth title while Ve and Wili Tarika made unsuccessful attempts. Ve, a welterweight boxer, was rated seventh by the World Boxing Association (WBA) at a time where legendary boxers like Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns, and so on dominated the division. “Many did not know that Sakaraia Ve was offered to fight as supporting card to a world heavyweight title fight by Top Rank promoter Bob Arum,” Ramos added. He highlighted for those who are interested to see how boxing become the country’s top sport in the 1970s should grab his memoir: ‘Maker of Champions’ sold at Suva’s Baka Bookshop. “That’ll make them learn how we not only trained boxers, but negotiate for their fights and how we go about our dealings with the greatest respect for each other and the local boxing body. Yes, we had our differences but it was through our respect for each other that we are able to resolve matters amicably. Boxing has to be respected from all corners,” Ramos said. Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj