Bringing three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific titles to Fiji requires significant investment. This entails the costs associated with hosting top regional boxers, their trainers, and IBO officials to ensure compliance with regulations, alongside meeting Boxing Commission of Fiji requirements. South Pacific Boxing Promotions director Mohammed Shameem shared that he is spending over $100,000 to organize the event.
Shameem, who is based in Vancouver, expressed his passion for boxing, which dates back to the 1960s when his father, Noor Mohammed, was a promoter. He reminisced about attending a boxing match at Ba’s Civic Theatre at the age of six, where Filimoni Naliva defeated Marika Naivalu for the Fiji heavyweight title.
As a successful businessman, Shameem is committed to supporting local communities. He mentioned, “To me, Fiji is always home,” highlighting his return in recent years to promote the boxing career of Naliva’s son, Savenaca, who became Fiji’s light heavyweight champion.
This event marks Shameem’s 19th promotion, with previous events held in Ba, Lautoka, and Labasa, aimed at benefiting local clubs, boxers, and communities. “I’ve made losses in most of the programmes, but what satisfies me is that I’m reaching out to people and making a difference in their lives,” he stated.
Sonny Bill Williams, a global sports icon, will arrive today to be the event’s chief guest. Williams plans to engage with schools, communities, and hospitals to discuss the dangers of drugs and the importance of avoidance.
Shameem described this event as the biggest he has organized, featuring three IBO titles and one Fiji title, totaling four title fights. “I’m also doing this so Fiji boxers can prove that we can have world champions here,” he added.
In related developments, Tonga Tongotongo, Australia’s knockout king, has arrived to defend the IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title against local fighter Sebastian “The Sniper” Singh. Tongotongo boasts an unblemished record, winning all eight of his fights by knockout. He acknowledged Singh’s toughness but remained confident.
Also arriving on the same flight is Lachlan O’Shea from Australia, who will challenge Winston Hill for the IBO Asia Pacific super welterweight title. The former Queensland State champion expressed pride in coming 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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