Acts of violence during the Fiji heavyweight title fight at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka on Saturday night have tarnished the reputation of professional boxing in the country. Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) chairman Adi Narayan expressed his disapproval, describing the incident as an embarrassment for the sport.
Narayan announced that the BCF directors will review video footage of the events and take strict measures against those involved. Trouble ensued during the match when titleholder James ‘The Beast’ Singh struck Semi Dauloloma while he was on the canvas. The fight, which was their third meeting, took a turn when Singh was knocked down in the first round by a hook from Dauloloma.
In the second round, Dauloloma cornered Singh, leading to both fighters falling to the canvas during an exchange of punches. Singh retaliated with two punches while on the floor, prompting referee Fatu Tuimanono to step in. The situation escalated, resulting in both corners exchanging punches, with one hitting a ring official. Ultimately, the match was halted and declared a no-contest.
“This is an embarrassment for professional boxing,” Narayan remarked. “Both champions were at fault, leading to my decision of declaring a no-contest. What occurred was not how the sport should be conducted, and we must establish that one does not earn a title through disqualification. This was a disgraceful episode that should not have happened.”
In addition, Narayan mentioned a separate incident involving featherweight boxer Mikaele Ravolaca, who entered the ring to challenge Umbayed Haider. Tensions escalated when Haider responded, leading to heated exchanges and a near altercation before ring officials intervened.
The Commission plans to investigate both incidents and will hold a media conference to inform the public of their findings. Narayan indicated that a meeting could take place as early as today to discuss the matters, stating, “The tension was palpable before the heavyweight fight, and we must manage this situation carefully.”
When asked for his thoughts, Singh stated, “He (Dauloloma) is not a true champion; there’ll be no rematch, and he can return to the amateurs.” In response, Dauloloma commented, “What kind of champion acts like that? Once you’re down, is it allowed for him (James) to strike you from behind? I would like a rematch in November if permitted. I will come for the title.”