Three International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific titles are set to be contested at the South Pacific Boxing Promotions event next month. Adi Narayan, the chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF), confirmed during the launch that the program has received endorsement from IBO Australia.
Scheduled for October 26 at Prince Charles Park in Nadi, the event will not only feature international title bouts but also include a local title fight and various local matches, including a women’s match.
In a notable first, two siblings will be competing 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 challenge China’s Runqi Zhou for the IBO Asia Pacific featherweight title. Additionally, Winston Hill will go up against Lachlan O’Shea for the third international fight, which is for the super welterweight title.
“This is a unique occasion; I can’t recall it happening in the last three years,” Narayan remarked. “This is an opportunity for our boxers to showcase their skills on an international level.”
Hill’s brother, Jonathan Pedro Hill, will compete against Siliveni Nawai for the Fijian super middleweight title, while Jese Ravudi will face Vanuatu’s Roy Ser in another fight.
Narayan expressed gratitude to promoter Freddy Chand and director Mohammed Shameem for facilitating the event, and Chand emphasized that these bouts will create new opportunities for local boxers, including women. The women’s match between Amo Wai and Maureen Chand will determine who gets a chance to fight in England.
“If Winston Hill secures a victory, he’ll be offered a world title shot from IBO, bringing him a step closer to one of the three available belts,” Chand noted.
He reassured boxing fans and families that security will be a priority during the event to prevent any incidents similar to the one that occurred at Lawaqa Park last month. Chand urged boxing clubs and boxers to ensure their trainers are registered with BCF.
“Only four individuals will be allowed in the ring: one boxer, two trainers, and a cart man if licensed with BCF. If a boxer does not have registered trainers, they will be accompanied by someone who is registered, so it’s important to have your team registered.”
Chand added that security will be robust, with 30 private security personnel and 25 police officers present at the venue. He also confirmed that an international IBO referee will assist local referees and officials during the fights.