Bringing three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific titles to Fiji is a costly endeavor. This plan requires the logistics of transporting top boxers from the region, their trainers, as well as IBO officials to ensure all relevant regulations are met. Additionally, all the guidelines set by the Boxing Commission of Fiji must be adhered to.
South Pacific Boxing Promotions director Mohammed Shameem disclosed that he has invested over $100,000 to organize this promotion. In an interview, the businessman, who is based in Vancouver, shared his enduring passion for boxing, which traces back to the 1960s when his late father, Noor Mohammed, was a promoter.
“I was just six years old when I first watched boxing promoted by my dad at Ba’s Civic Theatre, where Filimoni Naliva defeated Marika Naivalu for the Fiji heavyweight title,” he recalled. Now a successful entrepreneur, Shameem is committed to supporting communities in Fiji, which he regards as his home.
“After returning a few years ago, I assisted in promoting Naliva’s son Savenaca to become Fiji’s light heavyweight champion,” he noted. This upcoming program marks his 19th promotion, with the South Pacific Boxing Promotions having previously supported boxing events in Ba, Lautoka, and Labasa, aiding clubs and boxers along the way.
Despite experiencing losses in many of these events, Shameem finds fulfillment in impacting people’s lives positively. Global sports figure Sonny Bill Williams (SBW) is set to arrive in the country today as the chief guest for the event. Williams will be visiting schools, communities, and hospitals to educate young people about the dangers of drug use.
“This is the biggest event I have organized in all these years. It represents a step up in my efforts,” said Shameem. “We now have three IBO titles and one Fiji title, making for a total of four title fights. I’m eager to showcase that we can have world champions emerge from Fiji.”
In other news, Australia’s knockout specialist Tonga Tongotongo has landed in Fiji to defend his IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title against local fighter Sebastian ‘The Sniper’ Singh. Known for his remarkable record of eight knockout wins, Tongotongo is aware of the challenge that Singh poses.
“I’ve heard Sebastian is tough, so it should be a good fight,” Tongotongo commented. When asked for his prediction, he said, “What happens is what it is.”
On the same flight, Australia’s Lachlan O’Shea has arrived to challenge Winston Hill for the IBO Asia Pacific super welterweight title. O’Shea, a former Queensland State champion, expressed his honor in coming over as a challenger.
“I’m a warrior myself,” he stated. “We will have an exciting toe-to-toe battle in the ring. It will be tough, but I am looking forward to it.”
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