Former rugby and boxing star Sonny Bill Williams will be the featured guest at the South Pacific Boxing Promotions (SPBP) event taking place at Prince Charles Park in Nadi on October 26. This announcement was made by SPBP director Mohammed Shameem and promoter Fred Chand.
Shameem emphasized their goal to elevate boxing in the region, noting that SPBP has hosted events in Ba, Lautoka, and Labasa to enhance the sport, despite experiencing financial losses at these venues.
Williams and his manager, Khoder Nasser, are scheduled to arrive in the country on October 25. Chand mentioned that Williams will be present for the official weigh-in and during the fight day. Fans purchasing $100 ringside tickets will have an opportunity to meet him.
Additionally, SPBP is organizing dinners featuring Williams as a guest speaker, and he will conduct sports clinics. Chand revealed that Williams will speak at three schools about the dangers of drug use.
Williams has an impressive background, having played 123 NRL games for the Canterbury Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters. He was the youngest player to participate in the Bulldogs’ 2004 NRL Grand Final victory and repeated the victory with the Roosters in 2012. He also has experience in rugby union, representing the All Blacks in 58 Test matches and being part of the winning teams at the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups. In boxing, he has a heavyweight record of nine wins and one loss.
Chand encouraged local businesses to get involved by sponsoring events featuring Williams, highlighting the financial commitments required to host such internationally recognized sports figures.
The main event will showcase IBO Asia Pacific super welterweight champion Winston Hill against Lachlan O’Shea from Australia in a 10-round title fight. Other matches include the vacant IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight contest between Sebastian Singh and undefeated Australian fighter Tonga Tongotongo, as well as an IBO Oceania-Orient featherweight title fight between Umbayd Haider and China’s Runqi Zhou. Nadi’s Siliveni Nawai will defend the Fiji super middleweight title against Jonathan Hill from Suva.
Chand noted that they have received a positive response to the fights, but are hopeful for good weather on the event day.