Fiji’s featherweight champion Junior Binnu Singh is preparing for a significant fight against Australia-based Runqi Zhou on July 19 at the Vodafone Arena in Suva, where they will contest for the WBA Oceania Super Bantamweight title. The match is historic as it marks the first WBA title fight to be held in Fiji, garnering considerable excitement within the local boxing community.
Singh, 24, recently finalized his contract with promoter Nahroon Buksh, witnessed by the chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji, Adi Narayan. Singh is currently seeking a sparring partner as he plans for specialized training in Melbourne, showcasing his commitment to rigorous preparation. Despite this logistical detail, Singh feels mentally prepared to face Zhou, stating, “I know one will lose, and one will win… mentally I know I am fit enough to fight him and go for the victory.”
The emotional weight of this fight is deeply personal for Singh, as he looks to honor his late friend and fellow boxer, Ubayd Haider, who tragically lost his life following a match against Zhou in October 2024. Singh sees this bout as an opportunity not just for himself but also as a tribute to Haider, remarking: “The biggest motivation to fight Runqi Zhou is because he fought Nathan (Ubayd Haider). Nathan was just like my brother… I wanted to prove that there are better guys in Fiji to fight him.”
The event promises to be a landmark night for boxing in Fiji, featuring a total of three title fights, including the NZPBC super featherweight title clash and a rematch for the BCF heavyweight title. The involvement of local promoter Buksh emphasizes the potential growth and recognition of boxing in the region, with hopes that this event will inspire young fighters and elevate Fiji’s status as an emerging boxing hub.
As the July 19 fight date approaches, the anticipation among fans continues to build, reflecting a broader interest in the sport, and highlighting the potential for more international events in the future. This fight signifies not just a personal journey for Singh, but also represents a major step forward for Fijian boxing on the global stage.
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