Three IBO Asia Pacific titles will be up for grabs at the South Pacific Boxing Promotions event next month. Adi Narayan, chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji, announced at the launch that the event has received endorsement from IBO Australia.
Scheduled for October 26 at Prince Charles Park in Nadi, the event will also feature a local title fight as well as various local bouts, including a women’s match. Notably, it will be the first occasion where two siblings compete for international titles. Sebastian Singh will face “King” Tonga Tongotongo for the IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title, while his younger brother Ubayd Haider will go up against China’s Runqi Zhou for the IBO Asia Pacific featherweight title. Additionally, Winston Hill will compete against Lachlan O’Shea for the super welterweight title.
“This is a unique opportunity, unlike anything we’ve seen in the past three years,” Narayan remarked. “It allows our boxers to showcase their skills on an international stage.”
In the local title match, Hill’s brother, Jonathan Pedro Hill, will challenge Siliveni Nawai for the Fijian super middleweight title. The card also includes a bout between Jese Ravudi and Vanuatu’s Roy Ser.
Narayan expressed gratitude to promoter Freddy Chand and director Mohammed Shameem for facilitating this event. Chand mentioned that the matches will create new prospects for local boxers, including women. The outcome of the women’s bout between Amo Wai and Maureen Chand will determine who gets to fight in England.
“If Winston Hill wins, he will have the chance for a world title shot granted by IBO, taking him one step closer,” Chand said.
To ensure safety during the event, Chand said security measures will be intensified following a recent incident at Lawaqa Park. He urged boxing clubs and boxers to register their trainers with the BCF, stating that only four people can be in the ring: one boxer, two trainers, and a cart man if licensed. He emphasized, “If a boxer does not have registered trainers, they will be accompanied by someone who is registered.”
Chand assured fans that 30 private security personnel and 25 police officers will be present at the venue to maintain order. Additionally, an international IBO referee will assist local referees and officials during the matches.