Big Saturday Night Boxing In Suva

Boxing fans coming to Saturday’s promotion in Suva are in for a surprise.
This is the view of Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) chairman, Subhash Appana, who has indicated that it will be a Gala event.
“There will be corporate tables, food and drinks, this will be a first for boxing,” he said.
This is Lewis-Hill’s first boxing promotion to be staged at the FMF Dome. The promotion is a partnership between between former Fijian amateur boxing star Winston Hill and legendary Australian boxing trainer Johnny Lewis.
Lewis has trained former world boxing champions in the like of Jeff Fenech, Kostya Tszyu, Jeff Harding, Paul Briggs, Joe Bugner and Jeff Malcolm.
Hill represented Fiji at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Brazil. He won a bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Appana said, BCF has been working closely with stakeholders to increase boxing presence in Fiji.
“We now have three active promoters with a fourth set to slot in soon. This was missing for a long time and doubters began to speculate that one promoter had a stranglehold on Fiji boxing.
“This is not true as BCF has to work with all promoters in the interest of boxing. Any speculations to the contrary can only be viewed as mischief making.
“Winston Hill and his partner, the legendary trainer Johnny Lewis have stepped in bringing a whole new dimension to boxing in Fiji.
“This can only lead to strengthening of the sport and fulfillment of aims set out in our strategic plan.”
The promotion features Suva-based Ghana light heavyweight boxer Joseph Kwadjo who takes on stylish Lautoka boxer Apisai Naciqa, in a 10-round thriller.
Kwadjo is out to revive his boxing career after surviving a road accident that almost ended his career.
His only loss here was to Fiji light heavyweight champion Savenaca Naliva. Dubbed the ‘Pride of Osu’, he has beaten top boxers like Joy Ali, Opeti Tagi, Kali Jacobus, Joeli Naleca and Australia’s Jamie Pittman.
Naciqa like Kwadjo lost to Naliva but has beaten Tagi and Isikeli Senidoko.
“Kwadjo has been languishing on the sidelines for a while now.
“He is still very much a force to be reckoned with and has the potential to shake up the light heavyweight and cruiserweight divisions,” Appana said.
Also making his professional debut is Hill who faces a tough fight against crafty Rakuro Dauvavana in a six-round fight.
“Rakuro was hard done by in his last outing. He is an honest boxer who means business when he enters the ring– there are no shenanigans. His bout with Winston Hill should be a cracker.”
Also appearing in one of the undercard bouts is Vanuatu’s Masing Warawara who takes on veteran Junior ‘The Razor’ Farzan Ali.
“All boxing fans know the potential Warawara pack.
“We are hoping that more Pacific Island boxers will come and fight in Fiji in future.
“His opponent, Junior Farzan has been actively seeking fights.
“Farzan knows he does not have much longer, but like a true warrior he should give Warawara a good run for his money.”
In his prime Farzan ruled the lightweight divisions.
There will be seven professional boxing bouts and five amateur fights.
Meanwhile, the official weigh in is at 10am tomorrow at Suva’s Terry Walk.
On Saturday, the gate opens at 3pm with the amateur boxing bouts starting at 4pm followed by the professional boxing bouts at 5.30pm.
Ticket prices
$50 VIP seats, $30 Grandstand, $15 Children. For corporate tables (please contact 9735324/ 9963343).
Story By: Leone Cabenatabua
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj