Former rugby and boxing star Sonny Bill Williams will be the special guest at the South Pacific Boxing Promotions (SPBP) event at Prince Charles Park in Nadi on October 26. This was announced by SPBP director Mohammed Shameem and promoter Fred Chand.
Shameem mentioned that their goal is to elevate boxing in Fiji, having previously organized events in Ba, Lautoka, and Labasa despite facing financial challenges. Williams and his manager Khoder Nasser will arrive in Fiji on October 25, where Williams will participate in the official weigh-in and the fight day activities. Fans who purchase the $100 ringside tickets will have the opportunity to meet him.
Additionally, Chand shared that there will be special dinners where Williams will be the guest speaker, and he will conduct sports clinics. He is also scheduled to visit three schools to discuss the dangers of drug use with students.
Williams, a former rugby player, has played 123 games in the National Rugby League (NRL) with the Canterbury Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters, winning the Grand Final with both teams. He transitioned to rugby union and earned 58 Test caps for New Zealand, participating in two Rugby World Cup victories. His boxing career includes nine wins and one loss.
Chand is currently seeking partnerships with businesses interested in sponsoring the events featuring Williams, emphasizing the costs associated with hosting such programs and high-profile athletes.
The main event will feature IBO Asia Pacific super welterweight champion Winston Hill defending his title against Australia’s Lachlan O’Shea in a 10-round fight. Other title fights include Sebastian Singh facing Tonga Tongotongo for the vacant IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title, Umbayd Haider going up against Runqi Zhou for the IBO Oceania-Orient featherweight title, and Siliveni Nawai defending the Fiji super middleweight title against Jonathan Hill.
Chand reported positive ticket sales for the fights but expressed a cautious optimism regarding the weather on the day of the event.