Bringing three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific titles to fight in Fiji requires significant investment. This includes the costs of bringing top boxers, their trainers, and IBO officials to ensure compliance with regulations, as well as meeting the requirements set by the Boxing Commission of Fiji.
South Pacific Boxing Promotions director Mohammed Shameem revealed that the promotion will cost him over $100,000. Speaking to SUNsports, the Vancouver-based businessman shared that his passion for boxing dates back to the 1960s, influenced by his late father, Noor Mohammed, a boxing promoter. He recalled watching his first boxing event at Ba’s Civic Theatre when he was just six years old, where Filimoni Naliva defeated Marika Naivalu for the Fiji heavyweight title.
Now a successful businessman, Shameem remains engaged in community support. “To me, Fiji is always home,” he expressed. Recently, he helped promote Naliva’s son, Savenaca, in his journey to become Fiji’s light heavyweight champion. This event marks Shameem’s 19th promotion, as South Pacific Boxing Promotions has also supported boxing in Ba, Lautoka, and Labasa, assisting local clubs, boxers, and communities.
Despite incurring losses in many promotions, Shamem finds fulfillment in making a positive impact on people’s lives. The event will feature global sports icon Sonny Bill Williams, who will visit schools, communities, and hospitals to speak to young people about the dangers of drugs.
“This is the biggest event I have done in all these years,” said Shameem. The program includes three IBO titles and one Fiji title, resulting in a total of four title fights. “I’m also doing this so Fiji boxers can prove that we can have world champions here,” he added.
In related news, Australian knockout specialist Tonga Tongotongo has arrived to defend his IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title against local boxer Sebastian “The Sniper” Singh. Tongotongo boasts an impressive record of eight knockouts in his eight fights and anticipates a challenging bout against Singh.
Another challenger, Lachlan O’Shea from Australia, also arrived to face Winston Hill for the IBO Asia Pacific super welterweight title. O’Shea, a former Queensland State champion, views this challenge as an honor and is prepared for a tough match.
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