Organizing three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific title fights in Fiji is a costly endeavor. It requires bringing top regional boxers, their trainers, and IBO officials to ensure compliance with regulations, alongside meeting the standards set by the Boxing Commission of Fiji. Mohammed Shameem, director of South Pacific Boxing Promotions, stated that he anticipates spending over $100,000 for the promotion.
During an interview with SUNsports, the businessman from Vancouver shared his lifelong passion for boxing, which he inherited from his late father, Noor Mohammed, a boxing promoter. He recalled attending his first boxing event at the age of six at Ba’s Civic Theatre, where Filimoni Naliva claimed the Fiji heavyweight title.
Shameem, a successful entrepreneur, has dedicated himself to supporting local communities. He expressed his deep connection to Fiji, noting, “To me, Fiji is always home.” He mentioned his involvement in promoting Naliva’s son, Savenaca, to become Fiji’s light heavyweight champion.
Tomorrow’s event marks Shameem’s 19th promotion, with previous efforts extending to Ba, Lautoka, and Labasa, where he has supported clubs, boxers, and various communities. Despite experiencing financial losses in many of his events, he finds fulfillment in positively impacting people’s lives.
Global sports icon Sonny Bill Williams is set to arrive in Fiji today as the chief guest for the event. Williams plans to engage with schools, communities, and hospitals, raising awareness among youth about the dangers of drugs.
“This is the biggest event I have done in all these years. It is just a set-up from one level to another,” said Shameem. This event features three IBO titles and one Fiji title, resulting in a total of four title fights. He aims to showcase that Fiji has the potential to produce world champions.
In related news, Australian knockout specialist Tonga Tongotongo has arrived in Fiji to defend the IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title against local fighter Sebastian “The Sniper” Singh. Tongotongo boasts an impressive record of eight knockout victories.
“I heard Sebastian is a tough bloke, so it will be a good fight,” Tongotongo remarked. When asked for a prediction, he kept it noncommittal, stating, “What happens is what it is.”
Also arriving on the same flight is Lachlan O’Shea from Australia, who is set to challenge Winston Hill for the IBO Asia Pacific super welterweight title. O’Shea, a former champion from Queensland, expressed his excitement about the opportunity, stating, “I’m a warrior myself. 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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