Three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific titles will be contested at an upcoming event organized by South Pacific Boxing Promotions next month. The Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) chairman, Adi Narayan, confirmed at the launch event that the program has received endorsement from IBO Australia.
Scheduled for October 26 at Prince Charles Park in Nadi, the event will also showcase a local title fight and additional matches, including a women’s bout. This will be a historic moment as it marks the first time 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 take on China’s Runqi Zhou for the IBO Asia Pacific featherweight title.
The third international fight will feature Winston Hill competing against Lachlan O’Shea for the super welterweight title. Narayan emphasized the significance of this event, stating, “This is a one-off occasion; I can’t recall if this has happened in the last three years. This is an opportunity for our boxers to display their skills at the international level.”
In addition, Hill’s brother, Jonathan Pedro Hill, will challenge Siliveni Nawai for the Fijian super middleweight title, while another match will take place between Jese Ravudi and Vanuatu’s Roy Ser. Narayan expressed gratitude to promoter Freddy Chand and director Mohammed Shameem for making this event possible.
Chand pointed out that these fights will create new opportunities for local boxers, including women. The outcome of a women’s match between Amo Wai and Maureen Chand will determine who gets a chance to fight in England. “If Winston Hill wins this one, he’ll be given a world title shot that has been granted by IBO, bringing him one step closer,” Chand noted.
Chand assured boxing fans and families that security measures will be robust to prevent incidents similar to the one that occurred at Lawaqa Park last month. He urged boxing clubs and trainers to register with the BCF, stating that only four individuals will be allowed in the ring: one boxer, two trainers, and a cart man if licensed.
“Security will not be an issue, with 30 private security personnel and 25 police officers on-site,” he confirmed. Additionally, an international IBO referee will assist local referees and officials during the event.