Organizing three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific title fights in Fiji comes with a hefty price tag, primarily due to the logistics involved in bringing in top regional boxers, their trainers, and IBO officials to ensure compliance with regulations. Additionally, the promotion must meet the requirements set forth by the Boxing Commission of Fiji.
South Pacific Boxing Promotions director Mohammed Shameem disclosed that the endeavor will cost over $100,000. In an interview with SUNsports, the businessman from Vancouver expressed his long-standing passion for boxing, which began in the 1960s when his father, Noor Mohammed, was a promoter. He recalls watching a fight at Ba’s Civic Theatre when he was just six years old, where Filimoni Naliva defeated Marika Naivalu for the Fiji heavyweight title.
Shameem, now a successful entrepreneur, has remained committed to supporting local communities. He stated, “To me, Fiji is always home,” emphasizing his recent contributions, including helping promote Naliva’s son, Savenaca, to become Fiji’s light heavyweight champion.
The upcoming event will mark Shameem’s 19th promotion, with previous events held in Ba, Lautoka, and Labasa, where they have supported various clubs and communities. Despite experiencing losses in many of his promotions, he finds fulfillment in making a positive impact on people’s lives.
In addition to the boxing matches, global sports icon Sonny Bill Williams will arrive in the country today to serve as the event’s chief guest. Williams plans to engage with local schools, communities, and hospitals, emphasizing the dangers of drugs and the importance of staying away from them.
“This is the biggest event I have done in all these years,” Shameem remarked, noting the inclusion of three IBO titles and one Fiji title, totaling four title fights. He expressed his ambition for Fiji boxers to demonstrate their potential to become world champions.
In related news, Australia’s Tonga Tongotongo, known as the knockout king, has arrived in Fiji to defend the IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title against local boxer Sebastian “The Sniper” Singh. With a record of eight knockout wins, Tongotongo expressed enthusiasm for what he anticipates will be a tough fight.
Also arriving on the same flight is Lachlan O’Shea from Australia, who will challenge Winston Hill for the IBO Asia Pacific super welterweight title. O’Shea, a former Queensland State champion, considers it an honor to come as a challenger and looks forward to a competitive bout.
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