Two heavyweight boxers in Fiji have had their boxing licenses suspended for four months by the Boxing Commission of Fiji. This decision came after an incident that occurred during a fight 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 regarding the incident and called for immediate action. After a meeting with the Minister, BCF chairman Adi Narayan described the incident as disgraceful for the sport.
“At yesterday’s press conference, Narayan said, ‘As the chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji, I am very disturbed to witness such an incident. Minister Saukuru took time out of his busy Parliament schedule to attend the meeting. The Ministry will not tolerate this behavior in professional boxing. The two boxers should have shown great sportsmanship since they are champions.’”
Singh is recognized as the current heavyweight champion of Fiji, while Dauloloma holds the Leweni Waqa Memorial heavyweight belt. The BCF, in consultation with the Minister of Sports, determined that both boxers would be suspended for four months. Narayan stated that this suspension aims to convey a clear message to all boxers.
“Come 2025, they will start fresh,” he added. “The four-month suspension will send a significant message. If Semi had taken that five-minute break and then returned, he would have won the fight.”
The heavyweight title remains with James ‘The Beast’ Singh, confirming him as the champion.
The incident occurred during their third fight when Singh punched Dauloloma while both were on the canvas. In the first round, Singh was knocked down by a hook from Dauloloma. During the second round, their altercation escalated, leading to both fighters falling to the canvas. Singh landed two punches on Dauloloma while they were down, prompting referee Fatu Tuimanono to intervene. Official ring personnel had to step in to separate the boxers as tensions flared, resulting in a brawl that included corner men throwing punches, one of which struck a ring official.
Ultimately, the bout was halted and declared a no-contest.