Boxing Commission probes overseas fights involving James Singh and four others

The Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) will investigate how heavyweight boxer James Singh and several other boxers were able to travel to Melbourne, Australia, to compete in last Saturday's promotion.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, BCF chairman Adi Narayan said he was unaware the boxers had travelled overseas to fight.

Singh faced unbeaten Tevita Pomale and was knocked out in the first round.

Mr Narayan said Singh had not obtained a release from the BCF before taking part in the bout.

"Honestly, I was quite surprised to see the video circulating on social media, and there was no release obtained from BCF for Singh's overseas fight," Mr Narayan said.

He said participating in a professional contest overseas without the BCF's approval could breach Part 14(3) of the 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)," Mr Narayan 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."

Mr Narayan said licensed boxers and their managers were required to follow the BCF's procedures before travelling overseas to compete.

"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.

Mr Narayan also confirmed the matter would be discussed by the BCF board of directors at its next meeting.