Bringing three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific titles to Fiji is a significant financial undertaking. This effort includes securing top regional boxers, trainers, and IBO officials to ensure compliance with all regulations, along with meeting the requirements of the Boxing Commission of Fiji.
South Pacific Boxing Promotions director Mohammed Shameem revealed that the costs to organize this promotion exceed $100,000. Speaking with SUNsports, the Vancouver-based promoter shared his long-standing passion for boxing, which began in the 1960s when his late father, Noor Mohammed, was a boxing promoter. He reminisced about watching his father’s first promotion at Ba’s Civic Theatre, where Filimoni Naliva claimed victory over Marika Naivalu for the Fiji heavyweight title.
Shameem, who has established himself as a successful businessman, frequently supports community initiatives. “Fiji is always home for me,” he stated, mentioning his previous efforts in promoting Naliva’s son, Savenaca, to become Fiji’s light heavyweight champion. Tomorrow marks the 19th promotion for Shameem, who has taken boxing to various cities including Ba, Lautoka, and Labasa, assisting local clubs and boxers.
Despite experiencing losses in many promotions, he finds fulfillment in positively impacting people’s lives. International sports star Sonny Bill Williams (SBW) is set to arrive today as the event’s chief guest. Williams plans to engage with schools, communities, and hospitals to discuss the dangers of drugs and the importance of abstaining from them.
“This is the biggest event I have organized in years,” Shameem stated. “This time we have three IBO titles and one Fiji title, totaling four title fights. I aim to show that Fijian boxers can achieve world champion status.”
In related news, Australia’s knockout specialist Tonga Tongotongo has arrived to defend his IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title against local fighter Sebastian ‘The Sniper’ Singh. Tongotongo boasts an unblemished record of eight knockout wins and expressed respect for his opponent, stating, “I heard Sebastian is a tough bloke, so it will be a good fight.”
Meanwhile, Australia’s Lachlan O’Shea arrived on the same flight, ready to challenge Winston Hill for the IBO Asia Pacific super welterweight title. The former Queensland State champion expressed pride in being a challenger, saying, “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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