Three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific titles are set to be fought for at the South Pacific Boxing Promotions next month. Adi Narayan, the chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF), confirmed during the event’s launch that the program has received endorsement from IBO Australia.
The event is scheduled for October 26 at Prince Charles Park, Nadi, and will include a local title match as well as several local matches, featuring a women’s bout. Notably, it marks the first occasion that 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 go up against 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 in the third international bout. Narayan expressed the uniqueness of this event, stating, “This is a one-off occasion, I can’t recall if this has happened the last three years,” and emphasized the opportunity for local boxers to display their skills on an international level.
Hill’s brother, Jonathan Pedro Hill, will challenge Siliveni Nawai for the Fijian super middleweight title. The fifth fight will feature Jese Ravudi competing against Vanuatu’s Roy Ser. Narayan commended promoter Freddy Chand and director Mohammed Shameem for facilitating this event.
Chand mentioned that this series of fights would provide new opportunities for local boxers, including women. The outcome of the women’s match between Amo Wai and Maureen Chand will determine who earns a fight in England. He added, “If Winston Hill wins this one, he’ll be given a world title shot that has been granted by IBO, one of the three belts hanging there, he’ll be a step closer.”
Chand assured boxing fans that strict security measures would be in place during the fights to prevent incidents similar to one that occurred at Lawaqa Park last month. He urged boxing clubs and participants to ensure their trainers are registered with the BCF, stressing that only four individuals would be allowed in the ring per fight: one boxer, two trainers, and a cut man if licensed by BCF.
Chand also confirmed that an international IBO referee would supervise local referees and officials, ensuring a professional and secure environment during the event.