Two heavyweight boxers in Fiji have had their boxing licenses suspended for four months following a controversial incident during a bout. The Boxing Commission of Fiji announced the decision in response to an altercation that occurred during the heavyweight title match between champion James ‘The Beast’ Singh and Semi Dauloloma at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka on Saturday.
Minister of Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru expressed his frustration and called for swift action after witnessing the events unfold. In a press conference, BCF chairman Adi Narayan described the incident as a disgrace to the sport and expressed his distress over the behavior displayed by both fighters.
Narayan mentioned that the decision to suspend the licenses was made after discussions with Minister Saukuru. He emphasized that such behavior is unacceptable in professional boxing and that the suspended boxers should have exemplified sportsmanship as champions.
Singh remains the heavyweight champion of Fiji while Dauloloma holds the Leweni Waqa Memorial heavyweight belt. The suspension means both fighters will be inactive for the next four months, starting fresh in 2025. Narayan indicated that suspending the boxers sends a clear message to all fighters regarding the importance of sportsmanship and conduct in the ring.
The altercation occurred during their third fight, where Singh had previously been knocked down by Dauloloma in the first round. During the second round, both fighters fell to the canvas, leading to Singh striking Dauloloma while he was down. Chaos ensued as the referee and other officials intervened, resulting in an exchange of insults and physical confrontations among the fighters’ corners, which ultimately led to the match being declared a no-contest.