The organization of three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific title fights in Fiji comes with significant financial demands. Promoting these events involves recruiting top regional boxers, their trainers, and IBO officials to adhere to strict regulations, alongside fulfilling the Boxing Commission of Fiji’s requirements. South Pacific Boxing Promotions director Mohammed Shameem disclosed that over $100,000 is being invested into this promotion.
In a conversation with SUNsports, Shameem, who is based in Vancouver, shared that his passion for boxing traces back to the 1960s, influenced by his late father, Noor Mohammed, a boxing promoter. He recalled witnessing a memorable match at Ba’s Civic Theatre when he was just six years old, where Filimoni Naliva defeated Marika Naivalu for the Fijian heavyweight title.
As a successful businessman, Shameem remains dedicated to supporting local communities. “I consider Fiji my home,” he stated, explaining his involvement in promoting boxing talent, such as helping Naliva’s son, Savenaca, become Fiji’s light heavyweight champion.
Shameem’s upcoming event marks his 19th promotion, following successful events in Ba, Lautoka, and Labasa, where he has aided boxing clubs and local communities. Despite facing financial losses in many promotions, he finds fulfillment in making a positive impact on people’s lives.
The event will feature global sports figure Sonny Bill Williams, who will arrive today as the chief guest. Williams plans to engage with schools, communities, and hospitals to educate young people about the risks associated with drugs.
“This is the biggest event I’ve organized to date, marking a step up in our efforts,” Shameem said, detailing that there will be three IBO titles and one Fijian title up for grabs, totaling four title fights. “I want Fijian boxers to demonstrate that we can produce world champions here.”
On a related note, 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 victories. He remarked on the toughness of his opponent and expressed eagerness for the upcoming match.
Also arriving on the same flight is Lachlan O’Shea from Australia, who is set to challenge Winston Hill for the IBO Asia Pacific super welterweight title. O’Shea, a former Queensland State champion, expressed his honor to compete in Fiji and anticipates an exciting clash in the ring, stating, “We will have a good toe-to-toe in the middle of the ring.”
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