The Minister for Youth and Sports Laisenia Tuitubou has urged the Boxing Commission of Fiji to get their acts together.

This came after BCF Fiji heavyweight champion Petero Qica failed to turn up to defend his title against Napoleon Taumoepeau in the Wild West Boxing Promotion in Nadi last Saturday.

“The boxing public are the ones who suffered because they paid $20, $25 which is not cheap,” Tuitubou said.

“Everyone was excited about that fight and for this happen is a cause for concern, especially when we are trying to revive the sport.

“This is not an indication that boxing is moving forward and the BCF need to pull up its socks up and make sure that this does not happen in the future.

“It was well organised by the promoters but for a boxer to give notice right at the last minute is not on. We feel sorry for the boxing fans who came from all over Fiji to witness this fight.

“The Wild West Boxing promoter  Abdul Khan was very frustrated and he had every right to be. I have heard his comments on the radio that I should come in but I will leave that to the BCF to sort t,” he said.

Meanwhile, Fiji National Sports Commission chairman Peter Mazey said it was a shame about what happened, especially when amateur sports is supposed to be moving forward.

“It’s a shame, it’s not good for sports because we are busy trying to build up amateur sports and one of the big things we are trained to do is create pathways within each sport,” Mazey said.

“I think the Boxing Commission of Fiji should investigate immediately. It’s not the first time, we need to have professional fights and be successful which we certainly encourage because it’s a good sport.

“They have to get it under control, this can’t happen, I have heard that there is a medical reason why the fight could not go ahead but it’s up to the BCF to investigate.”

Edited by Osea Bola

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