Otahuhu, New Zealand (April 28, 2024) - Junior Fa stood as a formidable presence, a force to be reckoned within New Zealand's heavyweight scene. Yet, beneath the surface of his athletic prowess, a profound transformation was quietly taking shape, leading Fa on a journey of self-discovery that would ultimately redefine his path in life.

"I looked down at my fists," Fa recounts, his voice tinged with introspection, "and said to myself, 'Why am I doing this? I don't want to hurt people anymore.'" It was a moment of clarity amidst the chaos of his career, a realization that would set him on a new course—one guided not by the pursuit of victory in the ring, but by a quest for peace and purpose beyond it.

For Fa, the journey began with a subtle unease, a nagging feeling of reluctance that crept into his psyche every time he contemplated stepping into the ring. Initially dismissing it as mere anxiety, Fa soon found himself grappling with deeper questions about the nature of his chosen path. Despite the lure of potentially lucrative fights and the promise of further success, Fa knew that he could no longer ignore the growing disquiet within him.

A pivotal moment came during a solitary training session, as Fa stood before a punching bag, grappling with a profound question that had begun to haunt him: "Why am I training so hard to hurt people?" It was a question that cut to the core of his identity as a boxer, forcing him to confront the violence inherent in the sport and the moral implications of his participation in it.

As Fa delved deeper into his introspection, he found himself drawn to philosophy—a realm of thought that offered solace and insight in the face of uncertainty. Inspired by the teachings of Stoic philosophers and driven by a newfound sense of purpose, Fa embarked on a journey of self-exploration, shedding the trappings of his former life in pursuit of a more meaningful existence.

For Fa, this meant walking away from the Mormon church in which he was raised, grappling with questions of faith and belief that had long lingered in the recesses of his mind. It was a decision fraught with complexity and consequence, yet one that ultimately freed him to chart his own course.

In the wake of his departure from organized religion, Fa found himself reevaluating every aspect of his life, from his dietary choices to his career aspirations. Adopting a vegan diet became a natural extension of his newfound commitment to nonviolence, while his decision to leave behind the world of top heavyweight boxing marked a profound shift in his sense of identity and purpose.

Yet, amidst the uncertainty of his transition, Fa remains steadfast in his resolve to forge a new path forward. Embracing the principles of service and self-discovery, he explores new avenues of expression and fulfillment to community service, each step guided by a deepening understanding of himself and the world around him.

As Fa looks towards the future, he does so with a mix of sadness and relief, mourning the loss of his former identity while embracing the promise of what lies ahead. For him, the journey is far from over—it is a winding path of self-discovery and growth, a testament to the power of introspection and the human spirit.

In leaving the ring behind, Junior Fa has not simply retired from boxing; he has embarked on a journey of self-discovery and renewal—a journey that promises to lead him to new heights of understanding, compassion, and fulfillment. And in doing so, he reminds us all of the power of introspection to illuminate the path to a more meaningful existence, one guided not by the pursuit of victory, but by the pursuit of truth. Fa's schedule bout with Arslanbek Makhmudov is cancelled.