Three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific championship titles will be on the line at an upcoming event hosted by South Pacific Boxing Promotions next month. The Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) chairman, Adi Narayan, announced the programme’s endorsement by IBO Australia during its launch yesterday.
Scheduled for October 26 at Prince Charles Park in Nadi, the event will showcase a local title match alongside several local bouts, including a women’s fight. Notably, this event will feature siblings competing for international titles: Sebastian Singh will face “King” Tonga Tongotongo for the IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title, while his younger brother Ubayd Haider takes on China’s Runqi Zhou for the IBO Asia Pacific featherweight title.
Additionally, Winston Hill will compete against Lachlan O’Shea for the super welterweight title. Narayan emphasized the rarity of such an occasion, noting, “This is a one-off event; I can’t recall if this has happened in the last three years. This is an opportunity for our boxers to showcase their skills at the international level.”
In another match, Jonathan Pedro Hill will challenge Siliveni Nawai for the Fijian super middleweight title, while Jese Ravudi will go up against Vanuatu’s Roy Ser. Narayan expressed gratitude to promoter Freddy Chand and director Mohammed Shameem for their efforts in making this event possible.
Chand remarked that these fights would create fresh opportunities for local boxers, including women. The outcome of the women’s match between Amo Wai and Maureen Chand will determine who gets to fight in England.
“If Winston Hill wins this fight, he’ll have a chance at a world title shot that has been granted by IBO; one of the three belts will be within reach for him,” Chand stated. He reassured attendees that security will be tight during the event to prevent incidents like those that occurred at Lawaqa Park last month.
Chand urged boxing clubs and participants to ensure their trainers are registered with BCF, stating that only four individuals will be permitted in the ring: one boxer and two trainers, along with a cornerman if licensed with BCF. He reiterated, “If a boxer doesn’t have registered trainers, they will enter with someone who is registered, so make sure your team is registered.”
To enhance safety, 30 private security personnel and 25 police officers will be present at the venue, and an international IBO referee will assist local officials to ensure a smooth event.