Fiji born and now Australian based boxer Kalivati "Checkmate" Meehan is now the number 1 ranked boxer in the World Boxing Association Heavyweight division.

Meehan becomes the first professional boxer who have maternal link to Fiji's to reach that level.

The latest ranking released on Sunday by the WBA has put Meehan as the number contender to challenge holder and Russian giant, Nicolay Valeuv.

Three weeks ago in Germany, Meehan knocked out American Dominique Alexander in the second round

Prior to this latest ranking, only Meehan and Samoan born Kiwi - David Tua had reached the number two contender position in the Heavyweight division.

Meehan,learnt his boxing as a kid in his mothers village in Taviya village in Ovalau, and turned to professional boxing after a career in league.