Organizing three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific title bouts is no small financial endeavor. It requires not only bringing the top boxers from the region but also their trainers and IBO officials to ensure compliance with all regulations. Additionally, there are specific requirements mandated by the Boxing Commission of Fiji that must be met.
South Pacific Boxing Promotions director Mohammed Shameem revealed that he has invested over $100,000 to make this promotion a reality. Speaking with SUNsports, the Vancouver-based businessman shared that his passion for boxing traces back to the 1960s, rooted in the days when his late father, Noor Mohammed, was a promoter.
Shameem recalled the first boxing match he attended at the age of six, held at Ba’s Civic Theatre, where Filimoni Naliva defeated Marika Naivalu for the Fiji heavyweight title. As a thriving businessman, he remains committed to supporting local communities. “To me, Fiji is always home,” he remarked, highlighting his efforts to promote Naliva’s son, Savenaca, in becoming Fiji’s light heavyweight champion.
Tomorrow’s event will mark Shameem’s 19th promotion, with SPBP having previously taken boxing to Ba, Lautoka, and Labasa, where they assisted clubs, boxers, and various communities. Although he has incurred losses in many programs, he finds fulfillment in reaching out to people and making a positive impact in their lives.
Global sports icon Sonny Bill Williams is set to arrive in the country today as the chief guest for the event. Williams plans to visit schools, communities, and hospitals to engage with young people about the dangers of drugs and the importance of steering clear of them.
“This is the biggest event I have organized over the years; it’s a step up from previous promotions,” stated Shameem. The event will feature three IBO titles, along with one Fiji title, making a total of four title fights. “I’m also doing this so Fiji boxers can prove that we can have world champions here,” he added.
In related news, Australia’s knockout champion Tonga Tongotongo has arrived to defend his IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title against local fighter Sebastian ‘The Sniper’ Singh. Tongotongo, who has an impressive record of eight knockout victories, acknowledged Singh as a formidable opponent, stating, “I heard Sebastian is a tough bloke, so it will be a good fight.” When asked about his prediction, Tongotongo simply said, “What happens is what it is.”
Also arriving on the same flight is Australia’s Lachlan O’Shea, who will challenge Winston Hill for the IBO Asia Pacific super welterweight title. The former Queensland State champion expressed his honor in coming as a challenger, saying, “I’m a warrior myself. We will have a good toe-to-toe in the middle of the ring. It will be tough, but I’m looking forward to it.”
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