Boxing fans are in for a treat as professional boxing returns to Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka for the first time since November 18, 2006.

Draiba, Navosa slugger Abhay Chand faces upcoming Mathew Michael of Lautoka in the main bout (10 x 3) of the Kiran Boxing Promotions tonight.

Chand, who lost to Joe Naleca on the same venue, expects fireworks.

“It will be a good fight since it has been awhile since a programme was hosted at Lawaqa Park,” he said.

“He (Matthew) is a new kid and he is up to surprise. He has the power to go that far. I urge the fans to come in numbers as this is a grand fight, thanks to Kiran Boxing for setting up another fight for me.”

Chand weighed 75.7kg and Michael tipped the scale at 77.6kg.

Michael is in for a baptism of fire as he will be featuring in the main bout in his third pro fight.

“I am looking forward to it and I have a plan. I trained tougher than my last fight,” the Juju, Rotuma native said.

Ulaiasi Qalomai with Feroz Khan jnr during the weigh-in at the Sigatoka market yesterday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA

“My opponent is a champion boxer and I respect him. The only way to give him what he deserves is a clean and good fight and just want wish both of us the best tomorrow.

He has been training under Coach Osea Nanovu, former heavyweight boxer Fatu Tuimanono and manager Sanjay Narayan.

Former amateur and 2010 Fiji Games light heavyweight gold medallist Joe Vaileba is all primed up to face Siliveni Nawai.

“It will be a good game and I invite fans to be present,” added the 30 year old.

He is the son of former light heavy weight Ulaiasi Vocea in the 1980’s and his cousin is Mitieli Navuilawa, a former heavyweight boxer.

Event coordinator Mustafa Khattab thanked the promoter for bringing the sport to Nadroga once again.

“People can come over after this many years of absence. It’s a balanced programme.”

BCF board member Usman Ali confirmed all fights would take place

Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback:  waisean@fijisun.com.fj