Bringing three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific titles to Fiji is a costly endeavor. This effort requires the participation of top regional boxers, their trainers, and IBO officials to uphold regulatory standards, along with fulfilling requirements set by the Boxing Commission of Fiji. Mohammed Shameem, director of South Pacific Boxing Promotions, reported that the promotion will require an investment of over $100,000.
Shameem, a businessman based in Vancouver, has a longstanding passion for boxing that originated in the 1960s when his late father, Noor Mohammed, was a promoter. He recalls his first boxing experience at Ba’s Civic Theatre, where Filimoni Naliva won the Fiji heavyweight title against Marika Naivalu.
Now a successful entrepreneur, Shameem remains committed to assisting local communities. “Fiji is always home to me,” he shared, noting his recent efforts to promote Naliva’s son, Savenaca, to become Fiji’s light heavyweight champion.
This event marks Shameem’s 19th promotion, following his initiatives that have brought boxing to areas such as Ba, Lautoka, and Labasa, supporting clubs and athletes within those communities. Despite facing financial losses in many of his programs, he finds fulfillment in making a positive impact on people’s lives.
Today’s program will feature global sports icon Sonny Bill Williams as the chief guest. Williams plans to visit schools, communities, and hospitals to educate youth about the dangers of drugs.
“This is the biggest event I’ve organized in my years,” Shameem stated. With three IBO titles and one Fiji title up for grabs, there will be a total of four title fights. He emphasized that he aims to showcase the potential for world champions to emerge from Fiji.
In addition, Tonga Tongotongo, Australia’s knockout specialist, has arrived to defend his IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title against Sebastian ‘The Sniper’ Singh. Tongotongo maintains an impressive record, having won all eight of his fights by knockout. He remarked on Singh’s toughness, indicating excitement for the matchup without revealing a prediction.
Simultaneously, Lachlan O’Shea from Australia is set to face Winston Hill for the IBO Asia Pacific super welterweight title. O’Shea expressed his honor in coming as a challenger and anticipates a competitive fight in the ring.
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