Win For My Dad: Naidu
Police, ring officials move quickly to defuse heated situation
Sunday 21 March 2021 | 23:15
Referee Jerry Ledua pulls back Ronald Naidu as Nathan ‘The Hornet’ Singh goes down in the 10th round at Prince Charles Park, Nadi, on March 20,2021. Photo: Waisea Nasokia
Police moved swiftly to avoid a brawl after Ronald Naidu knocked out the highly fancied Nathan ‘The Hornet’ Singh in the 10th round of their Fijian super lightweight title clash on Saturday night.
In a jam packed Prince Charles Park, Nadi, Naidu’s powerful body punches were too much for Singh to handle as he fell to the canvas forcing referee Jerry Ledua to stop the fight.
Ring officials moved in to stop fans from entering the ring while Police had to escort Fijian heavyweight champ James Singh out of the park after an argument broke out with Naidu’s trainer Francis Shane.
Related stories
Later after Naidu was officially declared the winner, Singh’s older brother Sebastian was also escorted out for swearing at the Boxing Commission of Fiji directors.
“I used my experience at the end,” Naidu said.
“I did not do much sparring but I took Nathan’s best punches. By the final round, I was still going strong. I stuck to my game plan and it did the job.”
Naidu dedicated the win to his dad and former boxing promoter, Ram Sami Naidu, who is recovering at the Lautoka Hospital.
When approached Singh was in tears and could not make a comment.
In the main bout, Fijian cruiserweight champion Alivereti Kauyaca beat Savenaca Naliva on points to claim the vacant Pro Boxing title.
Torn shoes
The hard hitting Kauyaca decked Naliva in the second round.
“I thank Savenaca for this game. He is tough. I trained in the highlands with no proper facilities. I had torn shoes but I’m ready to defend my title anywhere,” the humble champion said.
BCF board member, Usman Ali Lale said in boxing you expected fans to overreact in tense situations like the Naidu-Singh fight.
“These were minor reactions but it’s sorted out,” he added.
In the undercards, Jese Ravudi beat veteran Abhay Chand on points. Sebastian Singh and Rakuro Daunivavana fought to a draw while unbeaten Nepote Dawadawa beat Filimoni Naliva Jnr on points.
James Singh also scored a knockout win over Bukuya’s Vilimoni Taganikoro.
Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj
