Adi Narayan’s term as Boxing Commission chairman expires: Minister

Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) chairman Adi Narayan’s term has expired.

This was confirmed to SUNsports yesterday by the Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru.

“They’ll call for an expression of interest, and the names haven’t come to me yet,” he said.

Saukuru indicated that once they have the names they would make a decision on it.

The issue was first raised by heavyweight boxer James Singh when replying to Narayan’s comment that BCF would investigate him and a few other boxers, on how they had fought in Melbourne, Australia, last Saturday, without any release from BCF.

Narayan said that participating in a professional contest overseas without BCF’s approval could breach Part 14(3) of the country’s Boxing Act.

“No boxer shall participate in a professional contest in another country except with the approval of the Commission given under Section 10 (e),” he had said.

“I believe four other boxers went without obtaining a release. The Act states the penalty is a fine of $100,000 or imprisonment for five years.”

Narayan said licensed boxers and their managers are required to follow the BCF’s procedures before travelling overseas to fight.

“It is a serious offence and all licensed boxers and their managers know of the BCF rules to obtain a release before travelling overseas to fight,” he said.

In his posting on social media, Singh said that he does not need any clearance from BCF to fight in Australia under the Combat Sports Victoria.

“On December 1, 2025, I formally withdrew my registration from the Boxing Commission of Fiji through a letter I sent to them,” Singh posted yesterday.

“I indicated (in the letter) that I am currently registered with the Australian Combat Sports Victoria.

“Additionally, I noted in my correspondence with BCF that I would reconsider re-engaging if opportunities arise in Fiji.

“It is important to clarify that Combat Sports Australia does not require any release from overseas commissions as they handle their own registrations according to all their regulations.”

Singh called on Saukuru to intervene.

When contacted Narayan said he would make a formal release next week on the incident where all evidence will be provided.

Saukuru reiterated that there are laws in Fiji that cover sports as well.

“Every sport has a guideline, and boxing is covered under the Boxing Commission of Fiji Act,” he added.