Former rugby star and boxer Sonny Bill Williams will headline the upcoming South Pacific Boxing Promotions (SPBP) event at Prince Charles Park in Nadi on October 26. This announcement was made by SPBP director Mohammed Shameem and promoter Fred Chand.
Shameem stated that their goal is to elevate boxing in the region and that they have previously held events in Ba, Lautoka, and Labasa, despite facing financial losses. Williams and his manager Khoder Nasser are set to arrive in the country on October 25, just in time for the official weigh-in and the fight.
Fans who purchase a $100 ringside ticket will have the opportunity to meet Williams. Chand also mentioned that SPBP plans to organize dinners where Williams will be the guest speaker, as well as sporting clinics. Additionally, Williams will address students at three schools about the dangers of drug use.
Williams has an impressive sports background, having played 123 games in the National Rugby League (NRL) with the Canterbury Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters, winning Grand Finals in 2004 and 2012. He later transitioned to rugby union, representing the All Blacks in 58 Test matches and playing pivotal roles in their Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015. Additionally, he has a boxing record of nine wins and one loss.
Chand indicated that SPBP is seeking sponsorship from businesses interested in supporting the event, highlighting the costs of bringing renowned athletes like Williams to Fiji and the focus on grassroots initiatives.
The main boxing match features IBO Asia Pacific super welterweight champion Winston Hill defending his title against Lachlan O’Shea from Australia in a 10-round contest. Other key bouts include fights for the vacant IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title and the IBO Oceania-Orient featherweight title, as well as a defense of the Fiji super middleweight title by Nadi’s Siliveni Nawai.
Chand expressed optimism regarding ticket sales but noted the need to hope for favorable weather on event day.