Three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific titles will be up for grabs at an event hosted by South Pacific Boxing Promotions next month. Adi Narayan, chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF), confirmed during the launch event that the program has received approval from IBO Australia.
The matches are scheduled for October 26 at Prince Charles Park in Nadi and will include a local title fight along with various local bouts, including a women’s match. Notably, this event will mark the first time siblings compete for international titles, with Sebastian Singh taking on “King” Tonga Tongotongo for the IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title and his younger brother Ubayd Haider facing China’s Runqi Zhou for the IBO Asia Pacific featherweight title. Additionally, Winston Hill will square off against Lachlan O’Shea for the super welterweight title.
“This is a unique occasion, and I can’t recall such an event happening in the last three years,” Narayan stated. He emphasized the importance of providing a platform for local boxers to showcase their skills internationally.
In another matchup, Hill’s brother, Jonathan Pedro Hill, will challenge Siliveni Nawai for the Fijian super middleweight title, while Jese Ravudi will compete against Vanuatu’s Roy Ser. Narayan credited promoter Freddy Chand and director Mohammed Shameem for facilitating this event.
Chand mentioned that the upcoming fights would create new opportunities for local boxers, including women. The outcome of the women’s bout between Amo Wai and Maureen Chand will determine who secures a match in England.
“If Winston Hill wins, he’ll be granted a world title shot by IBO, bringing him closer to one of the three available belts,” Chand noted.
He assured boxing fans and families that there would be strict security measures in place for the event to prevent incidents similar to last month’s occurrence at Lawaqa Park. Chand also urged boxing clubs and fighters to ensure their trainers are registered with the BCF.
“Only four individuals will be permitted in the ring—one boxer, two trainers, and a cornerman if they are licensed with BCF. If a boxer does not have registered trainers, they must enter with someone who is registered, so getting your team registered is essential. Security will be a priority, with 30 private security personnel and 25 police officers present,” he added.
Furthermore, Chand confirmed that an international IBO referee would assist local referees and officials during the event.