On October 3, 1992, chaos erupted during a boxing match at the National Gymnasium in Fiji, witnessed by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. The confrontation unfolded after the bout between local champion Jo Ravudi and Tongan Sione Talia’uli. As the excitement built to a peak at the match’s conclusion, a group of around 50 unruly spectators initiated a violent outbreak, resulting in injuries to several police officers and two arrests.
The situation escalated when law enforcement attempted to control the frenzied crowd, which included individuals from the Naitasiri region. During the altercation, a policeman named Simione Rarasea nearly suffered a severe concussion after being struck in the head, prompting his overnight observation at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital. Furthermore, four additional officers, along with one of the detained individuals, received treatment for minor injuries, including cuts and bruises.
Professional Boxing and Wrestling Association of Fiji secretary Mumtaz Ali expressed strong condemnation of the violence, labeling it the worst incident in the sport’s history in Fiji. He indicated that such outbursts tarnish the country’s reputation, especially in the realm of boxing.
Despite the turmoil, Ravudi managed to secure a unanimous points victory, but the celebratory mood was overshadowed by the violence. The event, broadcast live by a Tongan radio team, disturbed both local and regional stakeholders, as illustrated by the reactions of former senator Livai Nasilivata and Minister of State for Maritime Services Viliame Saulekaleka, who were also in attendance.
This unsettling incident was not an isolated event, as it bore similarities to a previous disorder during a match on July 13, 1992, when fans had also attempted to storm the ring. Policeman Inspector Armogam Reddy reported that while attempting to control the chaos, officers were overwhelmed by the crowd’s collective response, resulting in further confrontations and injuries.
Prime Minister Rabuka, visibly shaken by the events, remained present and later presented the championship belt to Ravudi, demonstrating resilience amid adversity. Talia’uli’s co-manager Ila Tapueluelu expressed his dismay over the crowd’s behavior, noting that such violence was unprecedented in his long experience in the region.
In summary, while this incident highlighted significant challenges in maintaining order at local sporting events, it also opens a dialogue on the need for improved crowd management and safety protocols. The boxing community and law enforcement will need to work together to prevent similar occurrences in the future, thereby ensuring that the sport can once again be a source of pride for Fiji, rather than chaos. As such, this could serve as a turning point for creating a safer environment for fans, athletes, and officials alike.
Leave a comment