Business houses are urged to support in whatever way they can to boost boxing in Vanua Levu.

This was the request of South Pacific Boxing Promotions (SPBP) promoter Fred Chand as they prepare for their Friday, August 10 promotion at Subrail Park in Labasa.

“We need the support of the business sector,” Chand said.

“We’re trying to revive boxing in Vanua Levu. The last programme in Labasa was in 2015 and for the past nine years, there has been no boxing in Vanua Levu.

“During my survey in the provinces of Macuata, Cakaudrove and Bua, I was shocked at the huge interest showed by boxers, trainers and former boxers.

“They want frequent programmes so they could participate and stay active. Some of these boxers had impressive records but cannot afford to travel to Vanua Levu for regular fights.”

Chand said the North in the past decades have produced some of the country’s top boxers, both in the amateurs and professionals.

He highlighted boxers like Joe Keresi and Gyan Kumar who are the only amateur boxers in the country to win Fiji’s gold medals at the Oceania Championships, which feature the top New Zealand and Australian boxers. The likes of Taslim Shah who twice won silver medals at the Oceania.

Then followed by Mohammed Arif and Osea Nakanacagi who won gold medals at the South Pacific Games, now known as the Pacific Games.

In the professional code are former Fiji title holders like Isimeli Radrodro, Samuela Vocea, Inia Catarogo, Sakiusa Cawaru, Sikeli Veitala, Lorima Rakula, Noa Bukai, Nat Ledua, Setefano Vasuibau, Bobby Shah, Atama Raqili and the list goes on.

Chand said they are giving many promising boxers in Vanua Levu, the break they need by fighting in the programme.

“I’m ready to talk with any business company if they are interested to sponsor the programme,” he added.

The main bout features the 10-round international fight between Fiji super welterweight champion and 2018 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Winston Hill against Roy Ser of Vanuatu.

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