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, chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF), confirmed during a launch event yesterday that the program has received endorsement from IBO Australia.
The event is set to take place on October 26 at Prince Charles Park in Nadi. It will feature a local title fight and various matches, including one involving female boxers. Notably, this event will mark 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. Additionally, Winston Hill and Lachlan O’Shea will compete for the super welterweight title.
“This is a unique occasion; I can’t recall anything like this happening in the last three years,” Narayan stated. “It is an excellent opportunity for our boxers to showcase their talents on an international stage.”
Furthermore, Hill’s brother, Jonathan Pedro Hill, will challenge Siliveni Nawai for the Fijian super middleweight title in a separate bout. In another match, 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 would create new opportunities for local boxers, including women. The winner of the women’s bout between Amo Wai and Maureen Chand will secure a match in England.
“If Winston Hill wins, he’ll receive a shot at a world title granted by IBO, bringing him closer to securing one of the three available belts,” Chand noted.
Chand also assured boxing fans and families that stringent security measures would be enforced during the fights to prevent incidents similar to the one at Lawaqa Park last month. Additionally, he stressed the importance of boxing clubs and boxers registering their trainers with the BCF.
“Only four individuals will be allowed in the ring: one boxer, two trainers, and a cornerman, provided they hold a BCF license,” he explained. “If a boxer does not have registered trainers, they will enter the ring with someone who is registered. It’s essential to get your team registered.”
Chand confirmed that 30 private security personnel and 25 police officers would be present at the venue to ensure safety. An international IBO referee will also assist local referees and officials during the event.