Fiji’s Junior Binnu Singh is preparing for a pivotal showdown against Australia’s Runqi Zhou on July 19, vying for the World Boxing Association (WBA) Oceania Super Bantamweight title. This historic bout at Suva’s Vodafone Arena marks the first WBA title fight to be held in Fiji, a milestone that the local boxing community is eagerly anticipating.
Singh is particularly motivated for this fight due to the tragic passing of his close friend and fellow boxer, Ubayd Haider, who tragically lost his life following a match against Zhou in October 2024. Singh expressed his strong desire to avenge Haider, stating, “Nathan (Haider) was just like my brother… I wanted to fight that guy (Zhou) and prove that there are better guys in Fiji to fight him.”
Training under Canadian coach Bobby Mason, Singh is devoted to meticulous preparations, focusing on mental readiness and strategy. “I know he (Zhou) is a good boxer; I’m going to come for him. I’m coming prepared,” Singh stated. Mason echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence in Singh’s capabilities and emphasizing the importance of respecting Zhou’s fitness and preparing a solid game plan.
The event is expected to attract significant attendance, with promoter Nahroon Buksh anticipating a sell-out crowd. Alongside the main event, other notable title fights will also take place, including the NZPBC Oriental Pacific title match between Mikaele Ravalaca and Junior Raka, as well as a heavyweight title bout featuring James Singh and Semi Dauloloma. A women’s match is set to feature former Fijiana representative Sera Bolatini against Connie Chan.
The excitement surrounding this event could herald a new chapter for boxing in Fiji, with hopes that it will inspire broader support and recognition for local fighters. This burgeoning interest in the sport positions Fiji to become an emerging hub for boxing in the region, promising great opportunities for future talents.
Overall, this event represents not only a personal journey for Singh but also a major step forward for the sport in Fiji, fostering aspirations among local boxers to achieve greater success on the international stage.
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