Two heavyweight boxers have had their boxing licenses suspended for four months by the Boxing Commission of Fiji. This decision was announced following a recent incident during a fight at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, between Fiji heavyweight champion James ‘The Beast’ Singh and Semi Dauloloma.
Minister of Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, expressed his disappointment regarding the situation and demanded swift action. After meeting with the Minister, BCF chairman Adi Narayan described the event as a disgrace to the sport.
“I am very disturbed to witness such an incident,” Narayan remarked during a press conference. He noted the Minister’s commitment, stating, “Minister Saukuru took time out of his busy Parliament sitting to attend the meeting.” He emphasized that the Ministry would not tolerate such behavior in professional boxing and stressed that both boxers should have demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship.
Singh, the reigning heavyweight champion of Fiji, and Dauloloma, holder of the Leweni Waqa Memorial heavyweight belt, will both serve a four-month license suspension. “Come 2025, they will start clean and fresh. Four months of suspension will send a message to every boxer,” Narayan affirmed. He added that if Dauloloma had taken a brief five-minute break during the fight, he might have emerged victorious.
The title will remain with James ‘The Beast’ Singh, confirming his status as the champion.
The incident in question arose during their title fight when Singh punched Dauloloma while they were down on the canvas. It was their third encounter, and in the first round, Singh had been knocked down by a hook from Dauloloma. As the second round progressed, Dauloloma cornered Singh, leading to a flurry of punches that resulted in both fighters falling to the canvas. Singh then punched Dauloloma while he was on the ground, prompting referee Fatu Tuimanono to step in.
When the situation escalated, ring officials intervened to separate the two boxers, leading to a chaotic scene where tempers flared, and punches flew from both sides. The bout was ultimately stopped and ruled a no-contest.