BCF to decide on Naicovu’s fate

The Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) will soon decide the fate of boxer Aisea Naicovu.

This was confirmed to SUNsports yesterday by BCF board of director Eroni Loganimoce.

Naicovu had decked his opponent Frederick Chand in their fight last Saturday night in Sigatoka with a punch to the head. While Chand was still on his knee, Naicovu punched him again.

“The board will meet and decide on that,” Loganimoce said.

He said Chand was given five minutes to recover, in accordance with boxing rules, but was unable to continue.

Loganimoce said a doctor assessed Chand’s condition and recommended the fight to continue. However, the committee later ruled the bout a no contest after Chand failed to recover.

He said the committee discussed the possibility of disqualifying Naicovu but opted for a no-contest ruling instead. Loganimoce said the committee had reviewed the incident and initiated an appeal process based on events in the opening round.

“The committee is determined the incident requires further investigation and discussion,” he said.

Chand was stretchered from the ring and taken by ambulance to Sigatoka Hospital. He was later transferred to Lautoka Hospital for a CT scan, then returned to Sigatoka Hospital to recover after doctors confirmed there was no blood clot.

Chand’s father Fred Chand, questioned whether BCF would take action against Naicovu and the referee Mun Sami.

“There is a blunder by the referee. What was the referee doing when the first blow was delivered?” he said.

“As a father, trainer and manager, I need answers. I heard from the doctor that he has a swollen head and cannot work. How will he make ends meet when he lives alone in Fiji?”

Despite the incident, promoter Samir Khan said the programme was successful.

“The fans have witnessed and proved that Bluewater is still the best in Fiji,” he said.

“There was a little conflict regarding the decision of the judges because boxers work very hard for the fight.”

Khan said they are going to promote the rematch between James Singh and Sainivalati Ratu later this year.

“This is to sort out things once and for all,” he added.