Protect Boxing

The Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) is working towards tightening the noose on boxers going to fight either in Australia or New Zealand.

This was after Fijian boxer Samuela Navaria was knocked out in the first round of his debut pro fight against Jayden Buan in Australia on March 23.

Buan was also making his pro debut but had an impressive record as an amateur boxer where he was nicknamed ‘The Bullet’.

Then recently Navaria has been billed to fight Josh Kuhne on May 31. Kuhne is a Mixed Martial Art (MMA) fighter who is dubbed The Kamikaze.

BCF chairman Adi Narayan said yesterday that the boxers’ trainer and manager are to answer for this.

“They come to the Commission asking for their boxer’s release and they also bring the record of their opponents,” Narayan said.

“Now we’re seeing all these sort of things happening, which has tarnished the reputation of professional boxing in the country.”

Narayan said they have made it a must for trainers and managers to produce a report to the Commission as soon they return from overseas.

“We’re going to take action and if the need arises then we’ll put a stop to it,” he said.

Also, the BCF is closely monitoring the social media where there have been unfounded allegations made against promoters.

Narayan said promoters take the risk of investing into their boxing programmes and they go about negotiating with boxers about their purse before signing them up.

“It’s not easy and when some people go on social media to make unfounded allegations or calling promoter’s names, its not right at all. They should show respect,” he added.

It is also understood that Narayan has met with higher authorities to talk about the issue before they decide on their next course of action.

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