Bringing three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific titles to Fiji is an expensive venture. It requires inviting top regional boxers, their trainers, and IBO officials to comply with all necessary regulations, along with meeting the standards set by the Boxing Commission of Fiji.
Mohammed Shameem, director of South Pacific Boxing Promotions, revealed that organizing the event will cost over $100,000. Speaking to SUNsports, the Vancouver-based businessman reflected on his long-standing passion for boxing, which dates back to the 1960s when his father, Noor Mohammed, was a promoter. He recalls watching his father’s promotions, including a notable fight in which Filimoni Naliva defeated Marika Naivalu for the Fiji heavyweight title at Ba’s Civic Theatre.
Now a successful entrepreneur, Shameem is committed to giving back to the community. He stated, “To me, Fiji is always home,” and noted that he previously supported the promotion of Naliva’s son, Savenaca, to become Fiji’s light heavyweight champion.
The upcoming event will mark Shameem’s 19th promotion under SPBP, which has already contributed to the boxing landscape in Ba, Lautoka, and Labasa by supporting local clubs and boxers. Despite facing losses in many programs, he finds fulfillment in making a meaningful impact in people’s lives.
In an exciting addition, global sports icon Sonny Bill Williams will arrive in Fiji as the event’s chief guest. Williams plans to engage with schools, communities, and hospitals, addressing the youth about the dangers of drugs and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
“This is the biggest event I have done in all these years. It represents a step up in our efforts,” said Shameem, highlighting the significance of featuring three IBO titles and one Fiji title, totaling four title fights. He aims for this platform to showcase that Fiji can produce world champions.
Meanwhile, Australia’s Tonga Tongotongo is set to defend the IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title against local fighter Sebastian ‘The Sniper’ Singh. Tongotongo boasts an impressive record of eight knockout wins. He acknowledged the challenges posed by Singh, stating, “I heard Sebastian is a tough bloke, so it will be a good fight.”
Also arriving alongside Tongotongo is Lachlan O’Shea, who is ready to challenge Winston Hill for the IBO Asia Pacific super welterweight title. The former Queensland State champion expressed his honor in coming over as a challenger and anticipated a thrilling contest, saying, “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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