Three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific titles will be up for grabs at the South Pacific Boxing Promotions event scheduled for next month. Adi Narayan, the Chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF), announced during the event’s launch that the program has received endorsement from IBO Australia.
The event will take place on October 26 at Prince Charles Park in Nadi and will feature a local title fight along with several local bouts, including a women’s match. Notably, it marks the first occasion where siblings will compete for international titles: Sebastian Singh will face “King” Tonga Tongotongo for the IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title, while his younger brother Ubayd Haider will contend with China’s Runqi Zhou for the IBO Asia Pacific featherweight title.
Additionally, the super welterweight title fight will see Winston Hill matched against Lachlan O’Shea. Narayan emphasized the rarity of this opportunity, stating, “This is a one-off occasion; I can’t recall if this has happened in the last three years.” He noted that it provides local boxers a platform to showcase their skills at an international level.
Hill’s brother, Jonathan Pedro Hill, will challenge Siliveni Nawai for the Fijian super middleweight title, while another match will feature Jese Ravudi competing against Vanuatu’s Roy Ser. Narayan praised promoter Freddy Chand and director Mohammed Shameem for their efforts in making the event possible.
Chand expressed that these matchups would create new opportunities for local boxers, including women. The outcome of the women’s bout between Amo Wai and Maureen Chand will determine who advances to a fight in England. “If Winston Hill wins this one, he’ll be given a world title shot that has been granted by IBO. He’ll be a step closer,” Chand stated.
To ensure safety on fight night, Chand reassured boxing fans and families that stringent security measures will be in place to prevent incidents similar to those experienced at Lawaqa Park last month. He also urged boxing clubs and boxers to register their trainers with the BCF, noting that only four people will be permitted in the ring: one boxer, two trainers, and a cutman if licensed.
Chand added, “If a boxer does not have registered trainers, he will enter the ring with someone who is registered. So make sure your team is registered.” He assured that 30 private security personnel and 25 police officers will be present to maintain order. An international IBO referee will also support local referees and officials during the event.