To bring three IBO (International Boxing Organisation) Asia Pacific titles to be fought here is not cheap.

This is because it involves bringing in the top boxers in the region, their respective trainers and IBO officials to ensure that all their regulations are followed.

This is also topped up by meeting all the requirements set by the Boxing Commission of Fiji.

“I’ve to spend over $100,000 to put this promotion together,” said South Pacific Boxing Promotions director Mohammed Shameem.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, the Vancouver-based businessman said his love for boxing goes back to the 1960s when his late dad Noor Mohammed was a promoter.

“I was six years old when I watched boxing (promoted by his dad) for the first time at Ba’s Civic Theatre where Filimoni Naliva beat Marika Naivalu for the Fiji heavyweight title,” he said.

Now a successful businessman, Shameem is always assisting communities.

“To me Fiji is always home,” he said.

“I came back a few years ago and helped promote Naliva’s son Savenaca to become Fiji’s light heavyweight champion.”

Shameem said tomorrow’s programme would be his 19th promotion. The SPBP has taken boxing to Ba, Lautoka and Labasa where they have assisted clubs, boxers and other communities.

“I’ve made losses in most of the programmes but what satisfies me is that I’m reaching out to people and be able to make a difference in their lives.”

Today, global sports legend Sonny Bill Williams (SBW) arrives into the country to be the event’s chief guest.

Williams will visit schools, communities and hospital talking to young people the danger of drugs and the need to stay away from it.

“This is the biggest event I have done in all these years. It is just a set-up from one level to another.

“This time around we have three IBO titles and one Fiji title, so a total of four title fights.

“I’m also doing this so Fiji boxers can prove that we can have world champions here,” he added.

TONGOTONGO STAYS LOW 

Meanwhile, Australia’s knockout king Tonga Tongotongo arrived into the country ready to defend the IBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title against homeboy Sebastian ‘The Sniper’ Singh.

Tongotongo has an impressive record of winning all his eight fights by knockouts.

“I heard Sebastian is a tough bloke so it will be good fight,” the tough Tongan with maternal links to Niue told SUNsports.

When asked of his prediction, Tongotongo said: “What happens is what it is.”

O’SHEA: LET’S RUMBLE

Also, arriving in the same flight is Australia’s Lachlan O’Shea who challenges Winston Hill for the IBO Asia Pacific super welterweight title.

The former Queensland State champion said coming over as a challenger is an honour for him.

“I’m a warrior myself,” O’Shea said.

“We will have a good toe-to-toe in the middle of the ring. It will be tough but I’m looking forward to it.”

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj