Three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific titles will be contested at the South Pacific Boxing Promotions event scheduled for next month. Adi Narayan, chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF), confirmed during the launch that the event has received endorsement from IBO Australia.
Set to take place on October 26 at Prince Charles Park in Nadi, the program will not only include the international title fights but also feature a local title match and various local bouts, including a women’s fight.
In a notable first, siblings will compete for international titles, with Sebastian Singh facing “King” Tonga Tongotongo for the IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title, and his younger brother Ubayd Haider battling against China’s Runqi Zhou for the IBO Asia Pacific featherweight title. Additionally, Winston Hill will go up against Lachlan O’Shea for the super welterweight title.
“This is a unique occasion; I don’t recall anything like this in the last three years,” Narayan stated. “This is an opportunity for our boxers to showcase their skills on the international stage.”
In another match, Hill’s brother, Jonathan Pedro Hill, will challenge Siliveni Nawai for the Fijian super middleweight title, while Jese Ravudi is set to fight Vanuatu’s Roy Ser.
Narayan expressed gratitude towards promoter Freddy Chand and director Mohammed Shameem for their efforts in making this event a reality. Chand emphasized that these contests will create new opportunities for local boxers, including women. The outcome of the women’s bout between Amo Wai and Maureen Chand will determine who secures a fight in England.
“If Winston Hill wins this match, he will be granted a world title shot, which has been sanctioned by IBO, moving him closer to one of the three available belts,” Chand noted.
He assured boxing fans that security measures will be stringent on the night of the fights to prevent incidents like the one that occurred at Lawaqa Park the previous month. Chand urged boxing clubs and boxers to ensure their trainers are registered with the BCF, stating that only four individuals will be permitted in the ring: one boxer, two trainers, and a cart man if licensed by the BCF.
“Boxers without registered trainers will have to enter the ring with someone who is registered, so get your team registered,” he said. “Security will be robust, with 30 private security personnel and 25 police officers present at the venue.”
He also confirmed that an international IBO referee will assist local referees and officials during the event.