Three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific titles will be on the line at the South Pacific Boxing Promotions scheduled for next month. The Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) chairman, Adi Narayan, confirmed the event’s endorsement by IBO Australia during the launch event yesterday.
The boxing program is set to take place on October 26 at Prince Charles Park in Nadi and will also include a local title fight and several local matches, featuring a women’s bout as well. Notably, this event will mark the first time that two siblings compete for international titles simultaneously. Sebastian Singh will face “King” Tonga Tongotongo for the IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title, while his younger brother Ubayd Haider will fight 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 occasion; I can’t recall anything like it happening in the last three years,” Narayan remarked. “It presents a chance for our boxers to showcase their abilities on an international stage.”
In addition to the international bouts, Hill’s brother, Jonathan Pedro Hill, will challenge Siliveni Nawai for the Fijian super middleweight title, and Jese Ravudi is set to fight Vanuatu’s Roy Ser. Narayan expressed gratitude to promoter Freddy Chand and director Mohammed Shameem for facilitating this event.
Chand emphasized that these matches will create new opportunities for local boxers, including female fighters. The outcome of the women’s match between Amo Wai and Maureen Chand will determine who secures a fight in England.
“If Winston Hill wins this fight, he will be granted a chance for a world title shot that has been approved by the IBO, bringing him one step closer to it,” Chand noted.
To ensure safety during the event, Chand assured boxing fans and families that there would be stringent security measures in place, following a previous incident at Lawaqa Park last month. He encouraged boxing clubs and individuals to have their trainers registered with the BCF, noting that only four people will be allowed in the ring: one boxer, two trainers, and a corner man if licensed with the BCF.
Chand also confirmed that an international IBO referee will assist local officials during the event. To further enhance security, 30 private security personnel and 25 police officers will be present at the venue.