Big Boxing Event in Fiji: Can Local Fighters Rise to the Challenge?

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Bringing three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific titles to Fiji comes at a significant cost, requiring the organization of top regional boxers, their trainers, and IBO officials to adhere to regulations. Additionally, event organizers must comply with the requirements set by the Boxing Commission of Fiji.

South Pacific Boxing Promotions director, Mohammed Shameem, disclosed that the expenses for this promotion exceed $100,000. In an interview, he shared his deep-rooted passion for boxing, which began in the 1960s when his father, Noor Mohammed, was a boxing promoter. He recalled watching his father’s promotion of a fight at Ba’s Civic Theatre, where Filimoni Naliva claimed victory over Marika Naivalu for the Fiji heavyweight title.

Shameem, now a successful businessman, remains committed to supporting communities in Fiji, stating, “To me Fiji is always home.” He previously aided Naliva’s son, Savenaca, in achieving the title of Fiji’s light heavyweight champion. Tomorrow’s event marks his 19th promotion, with past events having taken place in Ba, Lautoka, and Labasa, aiding local clubs and boxers.

Despite facing financial setbacks in numerous programs, Shameem finds fulfillment in making an impact in people’s lives. Additionally, global sports icon Sonny Bill Williams is set to arrive today as the chief guest for the event, where he will engage with schools, communities, and hospitals to raise awareness about drug dangers.

“This is the biggest event I have done in all these years. It is just a step up to another level,” Shameem noted, highlighting a total of four title fights comprising three IBO titles and one Fijian title, emphasizing his goal of showcasing the potential for world champions in Fiji.

In another matchup, Australia’s knockout champion Tonga Tongotongo has arrived to defend his IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title against local fighter Sebastian ‘The Sniper’ Singh. Tongotongo, consistent in his performance with eight knockout victories, acknowledged Singh’s toughness, stating, “It will be a good fight.”

Accompanying him on the same flight is Lachlan O’Shea, who is set to challenge Winston Hill for the IBO Asia Pacific super welterweight title. O’Shea expressed honor in coming over as a challenger, stating, “We will have a good toe-to-toe in the middle of the ring. It will be tough but I’m looking forward to it.”


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