Organizing three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific title fights in Fiji requires significant financial resources. This includes arrangements for top fighters from the region, their trainers, and IBO officials to ensure compliance with all regulations, as well as adhering to the Boxing Commission of Fiji’s requirements. Mohammed Shameem, director of South Pacific Boxing Promotions, stated that setting up this promotion has cost him over $100,000.
Shameem, who is based in Vancouver, shared that his passion for boxing began in the 1960s, inspired by his late father Noor Mohammed, a boxing promoter. He recalls his first boxing experience at the age of six, watching Filimoni Naliva defeat Marika Naivalu for the Fiji heavyweight title at Ba’s Civic Theatre.
Now a successful businessman, Shameem remains committed to assisting communities in Fiji, which he considers his home. He returned a few years ago to support Naliva’s son, Savenaca, in becoming the light heavyweight champion of Fiji. This promotion marks his 19th event, with previous shows held in Ba, Lautoka, and Labasa, where his organization has supported local clubs, boxers, and communities.
Despite incurring losses on many occasions, Shameem finds fulfillment in making a difference in people’s lives. Tomorrow’s event will feature global sports icon Sonny Bill Williams as the chief guest. Williams plans to visit schools, communities, and hospitals to speak about the dangers of drugs to young people.
“This is the biggest event I have done in all these years. It represents a step up from previous events,” expressed Shameem. The event will showcase three IBO titles alongside one Fiji title, totaling four championship fights, aimed at demonstrating that world champions can emerge from Fiji.
In a related development, Tonga Tongotongo, known as Australia’s knockout king, has arrived to defend his IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title against local fighter Sebastian ‘The Sniper’ Singh. Tongotongo holds a perfect record, having won all eight of his fights by knockout. He anticipates a tough match against Singh.
Alongside Tongotongo is Lachlan O’Shea, who is set to compete against Winston Hill for the IBO Asia Pacific super welterweight title. The former Queensland State champion expressed his honor in competing as a challenger and looks forward to an intense match in the ring.
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