Former rugby legend and boxer Sonny Bill Williams will be the featured guest at the South Pacific Boxing Promotions (SPBP) event, scheduled for October 26 at Prince Charles Park in Nadi. SPBP’s director, Mohammed Shameem, and promoter Fred Chand confirmed this news to SUNsports last night.
Shameem emphasized their commitment to elevating boxing in Fiji, noting that the SPBP has already hosted events in Ba, Lautoka, and Labasa, despite experiencing some losses at these venues. Chand stated that Williams and his manager, Khoder Nasser, are set to arrive in Fiji on October 25, where they will participate in the official weigh-in and the fight day activities. Attendees purchasing the $100 ringside tickets will have the opportunity to meet Williams.
In addition to the boxing event, Chand mentioned that SPBP will organize dinners featuring Williams as a guest speaker, along with sporting clinics. Williams is also scheduled to speak to three schools to discuss the dangers of drugs and the importance of avoiding them.
Sonny Bill Williams has an impressive sports background, having played 123 NRL games with the Canterbury Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters. He made history as the youngest player to appear for the Bulldogs in the 2004 NRL Grand Final, where they triumphed over the Roosters. He replicated this success in 2012 with the Roosters against Manly. Williams transitioned to rugby union, earning 58 Test matches with the All Blacks and contributing to their Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015. He later ventured into professional boxing, achieving a record of nine wins against one loss.
Chand noted that SPBP is seeking sponsorship from businesses interested in supporting events featuring Williams, highlighting the financial investment required to host such high-profile athletes.
The main fight of the night will pit IBO Asia Pacific super welterweight champion Winston Hill against Lachlan O’Shea from Australia in a 10-round title clash. Other notable matches include the vacant IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title fight between Sebastian Singh and unbeaten Australian knockout artist Tonga Tongotongo, as well as the IBO Oceania-Orient featherweight title bout between Umbayd Haider and China’s Runqi Zhou. Nadi’s Siliveni Nawai will also defend the Fiji super middleweight title against Jonathan Hill of Suva.
Chand expressed optimism about the audience’s interest in the matches while remaining hopeful for good weather on the day of the event.