Three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific titles will be contested at the South Pacific Boxing Promotions next month. Adi Narayan, chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF), confirmed during the launch that the event has received endorsement from IBO Australia.
The program is scheduled for October 26 at Prince Charles Park in Nadi and will feature a local title fight along with several local matches, including one for women. Notably, it will mark the first occasion where siblings compete for international titles. Sebastian Singh will face “King” Tonga Tongotongo for the IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title, while his younger brother Ubayd Haider is set to challenge China’s Runqi Zhou for the IBO Asia Pacific featherweight title. The third international fight will see Winston Hill go up against Lachlan O’Shea for the super welterweight title.
“This is a rare occurrence; I can’t recall anything similar happening in the last three years,” Narayan stated. “This represents an opportunity for our boxers to showcase their skills on the international stage.”
Also, Hill’s brother, Jonathan Pedro Hill, will compete against Siliveni Nawai for the Fijian super middleweight title, with the fifth fight featuring Jese Ravudi facing Vanuatu’s Roy Ser. Narayan expressed gratitude towards promoter Freddy Chand and director Mohammed Shameem for their efforts in making this event a reality.
Chand noted that these upcoming matches would create new opportunities for both local male and female boxers. The outcome of the women’s bout between Amo Wai and Maureen Chand will determine who will secure a fight in England.
“If Winston Hill wins this match, he will be in line for a world title shot granted by the IBO,” Chand indicated, highlighting the stakes involved.
Chand also reassured fans and families that security measures will be stringent during the fights to prevent any incidents similar to the ones that occurred at Lawaqa Park last month. He urged boxing clubs and athletes to ensure their trainers are registered with the BCF.
“Only four individuals will be permitted in the ring; one boxer, two trainers, and a cart man if licensed with the BCF,” Chand explained. “If a boxer does not have registered trainers, he will have to compete with someone who is registered, so it’s essential to get your team registered.”
He emphasized that security would not be an issue, as 30 private security personnel and 25 police officers will be present at the venue. Chand also confirmed that an international IBO referee will assist local referees and officials during the event.