Three titles from the International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific will be up for grabs at a South Pacific Boxing Promotions event next month. Adi Narayan, chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF), announced during the launch that IBO Australia has approved the event.
Scheduled for October 26 at Prince Charles Park in Nadi, the event will also feature a local title fight as well as various matches, including a women’s bout. Notably, it will be the first instance 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 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 opportunity; I can’t recall if this has occurred in the last three years,” Narayan remarked. “It allows our boxers to showcase their talents on an international stage.”
In another match, Hill’s brother Jonathan Pedro Hill will contest Siliveni Nawai for the Fijian super middleweight title, and there will also be a bout between Jese Ravudi and Vanuatu’s Roy Ser. Narayan expressed gratitude towards promoter Freddy Chand and director Mohammed Shameem for facilitating this event.
Chand emphasized that these fights will create new avenues 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.
“If Winston Hill wins this fight, he will be granted a world title shot by IBO, bringing him closer to contention for one of the three available belts,” Chand added.
He assured boxing fans and families that stringent security measures will be in place to prevent incidents like the one at Lawaqa Park last month. Chand 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 cornerman if licensed with the BCF. If boxers do not have registered trainers, they will be paired with someone who is registered, so it’s essential to have your team properly registered,” he said.
He further confirmed that 30 private security personnel along with 25 police officers would be present at the venue to ensure safety. An international IBO referee will also collaborate with local referees and officials during the event.