Fiji’s featherweight boxing champion, Junior Binnu Singh, showcased remarkable resilience and skill during his recent bout for the WBA Oceania Super Bantamweight title against Australia’s Runqi Zhou at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. The match, held on Saturday, was a memorable event that highlighted the growing prominence of boxing in Fiji, as it marked the first WBA title fight ever hosted in the country.
Singh, aged 25 and hailing from Bilalevu, Sigatoka, gave his all in the ring, connecting with Zhou early on and causing a notable cut on Zhou’s forehead in the opening round. Despite this strong start and Singh’s relentless efforts throughout the fight, the match ended in a split points decision favoring Zhou, leaving Singh just short of his goal.
The electrifying contest was filled with back-and-forth exchanges as each fighter pressed the other. Singh’s determination was palpable, though Zhou demonstrated his own resilience and tactical skill throughout the bout, ultimately taking home the title.
In addition to the main event, the night featured various matches that captured the excitement of boxing fans. Notable highlights included New Zealand’s Oliver Firth winning the NZPBC Oriental Pacific title with a fifth-round TKO over Samuela Nagari and Ratu Rakuro Daunivavana claiming a unanimous points decision victory against Samisoni Gonewai.
This fight represents not just a personal challenge for Singh, who sought to honor his late friend and fellow boxer, Ubayd Haider, but also signifies a pivotal moment for Fijian boxing. The event is expected to inspire the local boxing community and may pave the way for more international competitions in the future.
As anticipation builds for future events, Singh’s performance is a testament to the spirit and talent present in Fiji’s boxing scene. The hope is that this match, despite the outcome, will encourage greater recognition of local fighters and bolster support for the sport across the region.
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