Three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific titles are set to be contested at the South Pacific Boxing Promotions event next month. The Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) chairman Adi Narayan confirmed at the event launch that the program 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 and several matches, including a women’s bout. Notably, this will be the first occasion where siblings compete for international titles, with Sebastian Singh facing “King” Tonga Tongotongo for the IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title, while his younger brother Ubayd Haider takes on China’s Runqi Zhou for the IBO Asia Pacific featherweight title.
The event will also include a super welterweight title fight between Winston Hill and Lachlan O’Shea. Narayan emphasized the uniqueness of this event, stating that it offers local boxers a platform to showcase their skills on an international level.
In addition, Hill’s brother, Jonathan Pedro Hill, will challenge Siliveni Nawai for the Fijian super middleweight title, and Jese Ravudi will face Vanuatu’s Roy Ser in another bout. Narayan expressed gratitude to promoter Freddy Chand and director Mohammed Shameem for facilitating the event.
Chand remarked that these fights would create new opportunities for local boxers, including female competitors. The outcome of the women’s match between Amo Wai and Maureen Chand will determine which fighter gets a chance to compete in England.
Chand indicated that if Winston Hill wins his fight, he will be granted a world title shot by the IBO, bringing him closer to securing one of the three available belts. He assured fans that stringent security measures would be in place to prevent any repeat incidents, similar to what occurred at Lawaqa Park last month.
Chand also urged boxing clubs and fighters to ensure their trainers are registered with the BCF, stating that only four people will be permitted in the ring during fights: one boxer, two trainers, and a cornerman if licensed.
He added that security would be well-managed, with 30 private security personnel and 25 police officers present at the venue, and confirmed that an international IBO referee would assist local referees and officials during the event.