‘The Beast’ Is Among Our Greats

Love him or hate him, Fiji heavyweight boxing champion James ‘The Beast’ Singh is not getting the recognition he truly deserves.

It’s sad because Singh has proved himself to be crowned the country’s heavyweight king. He holds the Fiji heavyweight title, which has a rich history behind it.

When Cabinet passed the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) regulations in December 4, 2012, only one title holder from the previous Professional Boxing & Wrestling Association (PBWA) was approved to continue.

That was the country’s heavyweight title, which was then held by Petero Qica.

PBWA was the country’s first boxing body. It is believed that the organisation was registered in the 1940s. The PBWA heavyweight title was passed on by boxing greats like Leweni Waqa, Marika Naivalu, Filimoni Naliva, Sunia Cama, Niko Degei, Aisea Nama, Mitieli Navuilawa and so on over the decades.

They were the most feared boxers not only in the region but internationally.

The likes of Waqa and Degei ended their career in the United States of America.

Let’s start from the 1990s, the title was held by Nama, a highly regarded boxer not only in Fiji but Australia and New Zealand, as well. He was vbeaten by Navuilawa on December 12, 1991 at Suva’s National Gymnasium.

Navuilawa, from the hills of Navosa, successfully defended the title twice against Tevita Ravuravu on June 25, 1994 and October 22, 1994. Navuilawa passed away in the mid-1990s and the heavyweight title was vacant.

On December 20, 1997, the vacant title was claimed by Bukuya’s Silovate Rasaku Junior after he beat Apimeleki Tui on points at Prince Charles Park, Nadi. He also beat Pauliasi Ratu on points in his first title defence in March 23, 1998.

Rasaku was beaten on points by Mosese Kavika who was a close relative in September 11, 1999. Rasaku’s son Alivereti Kauyaca is the country’s reigning cruiserweight champion. Kavika knocked out Jay Tuku in the first round in his first title defence in April 29, 2006.

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Story by: Leone Cabenatabua - leonec@fijisun.com.fj