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