The tumultuous evening at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka on August 31 witnessed the abrupt halt of the highly anticipated heavyweight boxing title fight between James Singh and Semi Dauloloma. The bout ended controversially as a no contest following an outbreak of violence involving both fighters and their teams, highlighting the unpredictable nature of professional boxing.
The match started with Dauloloma taking a commanding lead in the first round, even knocking Singh down, which set high expectations for the contest. However, the fight’s outcome became questionable due to the referee’s failure to count Singh’s knockdown appropriately. If properly counted, Dauloloma might have achieved a knockout victory, potentially averting the chaos that ensued.
Despite suffering serious blows, Singh displayed remarkable resilience in the second round. The situation deteriorated when Singh, down on the canvas, landed three contentious punches to the back of Dauloloma’s head. Such moves, which are illegal, warranted an immediate pause for medical assessment, inadvertently contributing to the ensuing uproar.
The situation could have escalated, leading to more severe injuries not only to the fighters but also to officials and spectators caught in the melee. Police presence was vital in restoring order, yet under more volatile conditions, they could have also been overwhelmed, resulting in further disorder.
The outbreak of violence, which included attacks on referees and officials, raises serious concerns about the safety and professionalism in sports. Both fighters expressed their frustration and the urgent need for a resolution to restore their dignity and the integrity of boxing.
Boxing is gaining momentum in Fiji, and both Singh and Dauloloma reflect the hard work and dedication required in the sport. While Dauloloma is known for his technical skills, Singh balances his boxing with a job in tourism. Both fighters manage their professional commitments alongside their roles as family providers, demonstrating the sacrifices they make for their sport and families.
Their commitment deserves recognition, as they strive for excellence both in the ring and in their communities. The events at Lawaqa Park serve as a reminder of how swiftly a boxing match can spiral into chaos and emphasize the need for strict adherence to rules and effective management of high-pressure situations.
As the boxing community looks forward to a possible rematch, which is anticipated to take place next March following a four-month suspension, both fighters face critical opportunities. A win could either solidify Singh’s legacy as a champion or mark Dauloloma as a new star in Fijian boxing.
The rematch is expected to attract significant attention, promising a decisive and orderly contest that fans and officials are eagerly awaiting.