The Boxing Commission of Fiji has suspended the boxing licenses of two heavyweight fighters for four months following an incident during a match on Saturday at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka. Minister of Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru expressed his disappointment over the incident involving Fiji heavyweight champion James ‘The Beast’ Singh and Semi Dauloloma, calling for prompt action.
BCF chairman Adi Narayan described the event as a disgrace to the sport after a meeting with the Minister on Monday. He stated, “As the chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji, I am very disturbed to witness such an incident.” Narayan emphasized the importance of sportsmanship, noting that both fighters are champions.
Singh currently holds the heavyweight title in Fiji, while Dauloloma possesses the Leweni Waqa Memorial heavyweight belt. The decision for the suspension came after consultations with the Minister of Sports. Narayan indicated that both boxers will have their licenses suspended for the next four months, allowing them to start fresh in 2025. He also stated, “Four months of suspension will send a message to every boxer.”
The controversy arose during their fight when Singh struck Dauloloma while he was on the canvas. This bout marked their third encounter, during which Singh had been knocked down in the first round. In the second round, an exchange of punches led to both fighters falling to the canvas, at which point Singh punched Dauloloma twice while a referee attempted to separate them. The situation escalated, prompting ring officials to intervene as altercations ensued between the fighters and their corner men, resulting in punches being thrown and hitting one of the officials. The match was subsequently stopped and declared a no-contest.
Singh retains his championship title, as stated by Narayan, confirming that “he is still the champion.”