Former Fiji boxing champion Sebastian Singh has voiced his concerns over the Boxing Commission of Fiji’s (BCF) recent decision to revoke titles from local champions who have not defended them within the stipulated timeframe. In a video response, Singh argued against the commission’s stance, stating that boxers who have earned their titles should not be compelled to return their belts if they choose to keep them as symbols of their hard work.
Singh pointed out that the financial burdens faced by champions are significant, highlighting the difficulty of arranging title defenses. He remarked, “If a boxer calls a promoter and gets offered $2000 or $3000 to defend his title, I don’t think that actually makes sense. As a champion, you should be paid accordingly.” This emphasizes Singh’s belief that the rewards for champions should reflect the effort it takes to attain such status in the sport.
Singh further questioned the legitimacy and fairness of the BCF’s new regulations, suggesting that they deviate from accepted boxing practices globally. He mentioned receiving correspondence from high-ranking officials from major boxing organizations, indicating that such rules are uncommon outside of Fiji.
In contrast, BCF chairman Adi Narayan defended the decision to strip titles from champions who fail to engage in title defenses, pointing to the specific case of former super-middleweight champion Siliveni Nawai and bantamweight champion Shamal Ram Anuj. Narayan clarified that a champion could retain their title after defending it three times, stating their strict adherence to this rule.
Narayan also called upon current champions to actively engage with promoters to arrange title defenses, urging them to take responsibility for their titles. He expressed, “We must get these titles current,” as part of the commission’s commitment to maintaining the sport’s integrity.
Singh concluded by reminding the commission of the real challenges faced by boxers in the ring, asserting, “Boxing is not an easy sport.” His comments convey a passionate perspective on the struggles of champions and the broader landscape of boxing in Fiji, highlighting the need for better support and understanding from governing bodies.
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