Three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific titles will be contested at the South Pacific Boxing Promotions event next month. Adi Narayan, chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF), confirmed at the launch that IBO Australia has endorsed the program.
The event is scheduled for October 26 at Prince Charles Park in Nadi and will feature a local title fight along with additional local matches, including a women’s bout. Notably, it will be the first instance of siblings competing for international titles, with Sebastian Singh taking on “King” Tonga Tongotongo for the IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title, while his younger brother Ubayd Haider faces China’s Runqi Zhou for the IBO Asia Pacific featherweight title. Additionally, Winston Hill and Lachlan O’Shea will compete for the super welterweight title.
“This is a unique event; I can’t recall anything like this happening in the last three years,” Narayan stated. “It’s a chance for our boxers to showcase their skills on an international platform.”
Hill’s brother, Jonathan Pedro Hill, will contest Siliveni Nawai for the Fijian super middleweight title, and Jese Ravudi is set to fight Vanuatu’s Roy Ser. Narayan commended promoter Freddy Chand and director Mohammed Shameem for their efforts in organizing this event.
Chand remarked that these matches will create new opportunities for local boxers, including women. The outcome of the women’s bout between Amo Wai and Maureen Chand will determine who will secure a fight in England.
“If Winston Hill wins this fight, he’ll be in line for a world title shot granted by IBO, putting him a step closer to one of the three belts,” Chand said.
To ensure a safe environment, Chand assured boxing fans that security will be heightened during the event to prevent any issues similar to those that occurred at Lawaqa Park last month. He urged boxing clubs and boxers to ensure their trainers are registered with BCF.
“Only four individuals will be allowed in the ring: one boxer, two trainers, and a cut man if they hold a license with BCF. If a boxer’s trainers are not registered, they will be accompanied by someone who is registered, so it’s essential to have your team registered,” he explained.
“Security will be a priority, with 30 private security personnel and 25 police officers present at the venue.” He also confirmed that an international IBO referee will assist local referees and officials during the event.