A big payday awaits Fiji light heavyweight cham­pion Savenaca Naliva, if he beats former IBO (International Boxing Organisation) world super middleweight champion Renold Quinlan in their 10-round fight at Prince Charles Park, Nadi, next Saturday, August 13.

South Pacific Boxing Promotions (SPBP) promoter Freddy Chand confirmed this to SUNsports yesterday. He said they had been informed of this by relevant Austral­ian boxing authorities.

“The Quinlan, Naliva winner fight in one of the undercards of the return unification world light­weight title fight between America’s Devin Haney and George Kambosos Junior of Aus­tralia in Melbourne on October 16,” Chand said.

“Both boxers are going to be briefed about it and it’s a big boost for a local-based boxer like Naliva. The money offered from that six-round undercard fight in Melbourne is a lucrative one since the promotion is of a higher mag­nitude.”

The 23-year-old, Haney is unbeaten in 28 fights and holds the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO titles while Kam­bosos won 20 of his 21 fights. His only loss was the point decision to Haney. The return bout is to be staged at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Stadium- home of the Australian Open (tennis). Chand is hopeful that a local boxer like Naliva gets a break.

“It will be a thriller be­cause a lot is at stake for Naliva and Quinlan so it’s the best man wins. This is what South Pacific Boxing Promotions want to do to develop and promote our boxers especially those in villages, rural settlements, highlands and those in the islands.”

Chand also indicated that Sydney-based heavyweight boxer Puna Ra­saubale is expected to arrive into the country on August 10 for his six-round fight against Lautoka’s Esira Natotomu. Rasaubale, a for­mer Fijian Bati rugby league rep and national amateur boxer is look­ing for a win to boost his chance of fighting Fiji heavyweight champi­on James ‘The Beast’ Singh.

“We are thankful to Puna for com­ing over as we try to revive the heavyweight division. Right now, there’s no opponent for James Sin­gh,” Chand added.

Also, fighting in the exhibition bout is a member of the Fijian men’s rugby 7s training squad Vili­moni Latianara who faces Freddie Doidoi of Navosa.

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