Three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific titles will be at stake during the South Pacific Boxing Promotions event next month. Adi Narayan, chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF), confirmed the endorsement of the program by IBO Australia at its launch yesterday.
Scheduled for October 26 at Prince Charles Park in Nadi, the event will feature a local title fight as well as other matches, including a women’s bout. Notably, this event marks the first time siblings will compete for international titles, with Sebastian Singh facing “King” Tonga Tongotongo for the IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title, while his younger brother Ubayd Haider will fight China’s Runqi Zhou for the IBO Asia Pacific featherweight title.
Additionally, Winston Hill and Lachlan O’Shea will compete for the super welterweight title. “This is a unique occasion; I can’t recall if it has happened in the last three years,” Narayan stated. “This event provides our boxers a chance to showcase their skills on an international level.”
In another matchup, Hill’s brother, Jonathan Pedro Hill, is set to challenge Siliveni Nawai for the Fijian super middleweight title, while Jese Ravudi will go up against Vanuatu’s Roy Ser. Narayan expressed gratitude to promoter Freddy Chand and director Mohammed Shameem for facilitating the event.
Chand emphasized that these fights will create new opportunities for local boxers, including women. The outcome of the women’s bout between Amo Wai and Maureen Chand will determine who earns a fight in England. “If Winston Hill wins this match, he will be granted a shot at the world title by IBO, moving him one step closer,” Chand noted.
To ensure safety during the event, Chand reassured fans and attendees that there will be robust security measures in place, following a prior incident at Lawaqa Park. He also urged boxing clubs and boxers to ensure their trainers are registered with the BCF, stating, “Only four individuals will be allowed in the ring; one boxer, two trainers, plus a cornerman if they are licensed with the BCF.”
Chand confirmed that security will be a priority, with 30 private security personnel and 25 police officers on-site. An international IBO referee will also be present to support local referees and officials.