Three titles from the International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific are set to be contested at the South Pacific Boxing Promotions next month. Adi Narayan, chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF), confirmed the event, which has been endorsed by IBO Australia, during its launch yesterday.
Scheduled for October 26 at Prince Charles Park in Nadi, the event will also include a local title match and other local bouts, featuring a women’s round. Notably, it will mark the first occasion that 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.
Additionally, Winston Hill will compete against Lachlan O’Shea for the IBO Asia Pacific super welterweight title. Narayan expressed the uniqueness of this event, noting it as a rare opportunity to showcase local talent on an international stage.
Hill’s brother, Jonathan Pedro Hill, will challenge Siliveni Nawai for the Fijian super middleweight title, while Jese Ravudi will face Vanuatu’s Roy Ser in another match. Narayan commended promoter Freddy Chand and director Mohammed Shameem for their efforts in organizing the event.
Chand highlighted that the matches would provide new opportunities for local boxers, particularly women. The outcome of the women’s bout between Amo Wai and Maureen Chand will determine who gets a chance to fight in England.
Chand also mentioned that if Winston Hill wins, he will be in line for a world title shot, as granted by the IBO. For safety, he assured fans that there would be strict security measures in place, following an incident at Lawaqa Park last month. He called on boxing clubs and boxers to ensure their trainers are registered with BCF.
“In the ring, only four individuals will be permitted: one boxer, two trainers, and a cornerman if licensed,” Chand stated. “Registered trainers are essential for participation.”
He assured that there would be 30 private security personnel and 25 police officers present at the venue to ensure safety. Additionally, an international IBO referee will collaborate with local referees and officials to oversee the event.