Two heavyweight boxers have been suspended from boxing for four months by the Boxing Commission of Fiji. This decision comes after an incident during a match on Saturday at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, where Fiji heavyweight champion James ‘The Beast’ Singh faced Semi Dauloloma.
Minister of Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru expressed his disappointment over the situation and called for swift action. Following a meeting with the Minister, BCF chairman Adi Narayan described the incident as a disgrace to the sport, stating that he was deeply concerned about the occurrence.
“The Ministry will not tolerate such behavior in professional boxing,” Narayan stated during a press conference. He emphasized the need for both boxers to demonstrate sportsmanship as champions. Singh holds the title of current heavyweight champion of Fiji, while Dauloloma is the holder of the Leweni Waqa Memorial heavyweight belt.
Following discussions with the Minister of Sports, the BCF decided to suspend both boxers’ licenses for the next four months. Narayan noted that this suspension is intended to convey a clear message to all boxers. He remarked that had Dauloloma taken a five-minute break to recover during the fight, he might have secured a victory.
Despite the incident, James ‘The Beast’ Singh retains his championship title.
The altercation began when Singh punched Dauloloma while both fighters were on the canvas during their match. It was their third encounter; Singh had already been knocked down in the first round from a hook delivered by Dauloloma.
As they fought in the second round, Dauloloma had Singh cornered, leading to both fighters falling to the canvas. Singh delivered two punches to Dauloloma while on the ground, prompting referee Fatu Tuimanono to intervene. The situation escalated with tempers flaring, resulting in heated exchanges and physical confrontations among corner men and officials. The bout was ultimately stopped and ruled a no-contest.