Three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific titles will be on the line at the South Pacific Boxing Promotions event scheduled for next month. Adi Narayan, chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF), confirmed the event’s endorsement by IBO Australia during its launch yesterday.
The event will take place on October 26 at Prince Charles Park in Nadi and will include a local title fight and various other local matches, including a women’s bout. Notably, it will mark the first time that siblings will compete for international titles; Sebastian Singh is set to face “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 will compete against Lachlan O’Shea for the super welterweight title. Narayan remarked that this event is a unique opportunity for local boxers to showcase their skills on an international platform.
Jonathan Pedro Hill, Winston’s brother, will challenge Siliveni Nawai for the Fijian super middleweight title, and another match will feature Jese Ravudi against Vanuatu’s Roy Ser. Narayan expressed gratitude to promoter Freddy Chand and director Mohammed Shameem for facilitating the event.
Chand emphasized that these matches could create new opportunities for local boxers, including women. The outcome of the women’s clash between Amo Wai and Maureen Chand will determine who gets a fight in England. Chand noted that if Winston Hill wins his match, he will be closer to securing a world title shot offered by the IBO.
In preparation for the fights, Chand assured boxing fans of enhanced security, following an incident at Lawaqa Park last month. He urged boxing clubs and fighters to ensure that their trainers are properly registered with BCF, specifying that only four individuals will be allowed in the ring: one boxer, two trainers, and a licensed cart man, if applicable.
Chand revealed that 30 private security personnel and 25 police officers will be present for the event. An international IBO referee will also assist local referees and officials during the matches.