Three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific titles will be on the line at the South Pacific Boxing Promotions event scheduled for next month. Adi Narayan, chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF), confirmed at the launch that the program has received endorsement from IBO Australia.
The event is set to take place on October 26 at Prince Charles Park in Nadi. It will also include a local title fight and several local matches, featuring a women’s bout as well.
Notably, this occasion marks the first time siblings will compete for international titles. Sebastian Singh will take on “King” Tonga Tongotongo for the IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title, while his younger brother Ubayd Haider will face China’s Runqi Zhou for the IBO Asia Pacific featherweight title. In addition, Winston Hill and Lachlan O’Shea will compete for the super welterweight title.
“This is a unique opportunity; I can’t remember the last time this happened in the last three years,” stated Narayan. “This is a chance for our boxers to showcase their skills on an international stage.”
In another match, Hill’s brother, Jonathan Pedro Hill, will challenge Siliveni Nawai for the Fijian super middleweight title, while Jese Ravudi will fight Vanuatu’s Roy Ser.
Narayan expressed his gratitude to promoter Freddy Chand and director Mohammed Shameem for making the event possible. Chand remarked that these fights will create new prospects for local boxers, including women. The outcome of the women’s bout between Amo Wai and Maureen Chand will determine who gets a chance to fight in England.
“If Winston Hill wins this match, he will be offered a world title shot granted by IBO, bringing him closer to one of the three belts available,” added Chand.
He assured boxing fans and families that security will be heightened during the event to prevent incidents similar to those that occurred at Lawaqa Park last month. Chand encouraged boxing clubs and fighters to ensure their trainers are registered with the BCF.
“Only four people will be allowed in the ring for each fight: one boxer, two trainers, and a cart man if licensed with the BCF. If a boxer does not have registered trainers, he can only enter with someone who is registered, so please make sure your team is registered.”
“Security will not be a concern; there will be 30 private security personnel and 25 police officers on-site,” he assured. Furthermore, he confirmed that an international IBO referee would be present to assist local referees and officials.