An exhibition boxing event scheduled for last Saturday was canceled due to a scheduling conflict at Subrail Park in Labasa, according to promoter Freddy Chand of South Pacific Boxing. The venue was also reserved for a church service later that evening, leading to the cancellation of the boxing matches.
Chand clarified that neither the promoter nor the Boxing Commission Fiji should be held responsible for the situation, stating, “The Labasa Town Council is to answer for this.” The unanticipated disruption left many boxers and their supporters disappointed, with some spectators requesting a partial refund on ticket prices since the anticipated bouts did not take place. Despite the cancellation, Chand noted that some hidden talent was still showcased.
In response to the incident, Labasa Town Council chair Paul Jaduram explained that the double booking resulted from an outdated booking system. He assured that the council’s scheduling process has been revised and that such conflicts will be avoided in the future. Jaduram acknowledged that similar issues had affected other events and expressed his commitment to ensuring staff adherence to improved scheduling procedures, while also apologizing to promoters, organizers, and spectators for any inconvenience caused.