Three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific titles will be up for grabs at the South Pacific Boxing Promotions event scheduled for next month. Adi Narayan, chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF), confirmed the program’s endorsement by IBO Australia during its launch yesterday.
The event is set to take place on October 26 at Prince Charles Park in Nadi and will include a local title fight as well as several local matchups, including a women’s bout. Notably, it will mark the first instance of two siblings competing for international titles: Sebastian Singh will face “King” Tonga Tongotongo for the IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title, while his younger brother Ubayd Haider will challenge China’s Runqi Zhou for the IBO Asia Pacific featherweight title. Additionally, Winston Hill will compete against Lachlan O’Shea for the super welterweight title.
“This is a once-off occasion; I don’t recall this happening in the last three years,” Narayan said. “This presents an opportunity for our boxers to showcase their skills on an international platform.”
In another fight, Hill’s brother, Jonathan Pedro Hill, will take on Siliveni Nawai for the Fijian super middleweight title, with a fifth match featuring Jese Ravudi against Vanuatu’s Roy Ser. Narayan expressed gratitude to promoter Freddy Chand and director Mohammed Shameem for facilitating the event.
Chand noted that the fights would open new avenues for local boxers, including women. The outcome of the women’s match between Amo Wai and Maureen Chand will determine who earns a fight opportunity in England. “If Winston Hill wins, he will be eligible for a world title shot, which has been granted by IBO; he will be one step closer to one of the three belts available,” Chand stated.
Chand assured boxing fans and families that security will be tightly managed during the event to prevent incidents similar to those that occurred last month at Lawaqa Park. He urged boxing clubs and fighters to ensure their trainers are registered with the BCF. “Only four individuals will be permitted in the ring: one boxer, two trainers, and a cornerman, if he is licensed with the BCF. If a boxer lacks registered trainers, he will be accompanied by someone who is registered, so it is essential to get your team registered.”
“Security will not be an issue; 30 private security personnel and 25 police officers will be present at the venue,” he added, confirming that an international IBO referee would assist local referees and officials during the event.