Organizing three IBO (International Boxing Organisation) Asia Pacific titles to be contested in Fiji comes with significant expenses. This process includes bringing in elite boxers from the region, their coaches, and IBO officials to ensure adherence to all regulations. Additionally, the Boxing Commission of Fiji’s requirements must be met.
South Pacific Boxing Promotions director Mohammed Shameem stated, “I’ve to spend over $100,000 to put this promotion together.” In an interview, the Vancouver-based businessman reflected on his long-standing passion for boxing, which began in the 1960s when his father, Noor Mohammed, was a promoter.
“I was six years old when I watched boxing (promoted by my dad) for the first time at Ba’s Civic Theatre where Filimoni Naliva defeated Marika Naivalu for the Fiji heavyweight title,” he recalled. As a successful businessman, Shameem remains committed to assisting communities in Fiji, saying, “To me, Fiji is always home.”
“Years ago, I returned and helped promote Naliva’s son, Savenaca, to become Fiji’s light heavyweight champion.” Shameem noted that this upcoming event would be his 19th promotion, expanding boxing into Ba, Lautoka, and Labasa while supporting clubs, boxers, and communities. Despite facing losses in many events, he finds fulfillment in making a positive impact on people’s lives.
Today, global sports icon Sonny Bill Williams arrives in Fiji as the chief guest of the event. Williams plans to visit schools, communities, and hospitals to talk with young people about the dangers of drugs and the importance of staying away from them.
“This is the biggest event I have done in all these years. It is just a set-up from one level to another. This time around we have three IBO titles and one Fiji title, totaling four title fights,” said Shameem. He emphasized that his efforts aim to showcase that Fiji can produce world champions.
In other news, Australia’s knockout artist Tonga Tongotongo has also arrived in Fiji, prepared to defend the IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title against local fighter Sebastian ‘The Sniper’ Singh. Tongotongo boasts an impressive record, winning all eight of his fights by knockout. He acknowledged Singh’s tenacity and expressed that it would be an exciting match.
“I’ve heard Sebastian is a tough bloke, so it will be a good fight,” said Tongotongo, who has familial ties to Niue. When asked for his fight prediction, he replied simply, “What happens is what it is.”
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. The former Queensland State champion expressed that being a challenger is an honor and looks forward to a competitive bout.
“I’m a warrior myself,” O’Shea remarked. “We will have a good toe-to-toe in the middle of the ring. It will be tough, but I’m looking forward to it.”
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