Two heavyweight boxers in Fiji have had their boxing licenses suspended for a period of four months by the Boxing Commission of Fiji. This decision comes after a controversial incident during a boxing match on Saturday at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, where Fiji heavyweight champion James ‘The Beast’ Singh faced Semi Dauloloma.
Jese Saukuru, the Minister of Youth and Sports, expressed his disappointment regarding the incident and called for prompt action. After a meeting with the Minister, BCF chairman Adi Narayan described the situation as a disgrace to the sport.
At a press conference, Narayan stated, “As the chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji, I am very disturbed to witness such an incident,” adding that the Ministry would not tolerate such behavior in professional boxing. He emphasized that the two athletes should have demonstrated sportsmanship, given their status as champion boxers.
Singh currently holds the title of heavyweight champion of Fiji, while Dauloloma is the holder of the Leweni Waqa Memorial heavyweight belt. The decision to suspend the boxers was made in consultation with the Minister of Sports.
Narayan confirmed that both fighters will be suspended for four months, stating, “They will start clean and fresh in 2025. This suspension will send a message to every boxer.” He also mentioned that had Dauloloma taken a five-minute break, he could have possibly won the match. The heavyweight belt will remain with James ‘The Beast’ Singh.
The incident occurred during the title fight when Singh struck Dauloloma while both were on the canvas. This was the third meeting between the fighters, and during the first round, Singh was knocked down by a hook from Dauloloma. As they entered the second round, Dauloloma had Singh cornered. An exchange of punches led to both boxers falling to the canvas, where Singh threw two punches at Dauloloma while the referee attempted to intervene.
As the situation escalated, tempers flared, leading Dauloloma to charge at Singh, only to be restrained by ring officials. The ensuing chaos included punches being exchanged, with one striking a ring official. As a result, the bout was halted and declared a no-contest.