THE upcoming Canada Fiji Southern Boxing Promotion will see the return of former heavyweight boxer Napoleon Taumoepeau.
He is lined up to face Magodro villager Vilimoni Taganikoro in the heavyweight division.
The program is scheduled at Nadi’s Prince Charles Park on August 12. Promotion director Mohammed Shameen said the return of Taumoepeau would boost the revival of the sport in Fiji.
He said Taumoepeau had contributed a lot to the development of boxing in the country and his participation would also inspire aspiring boxers to take the sport seriously.
Taumoepeau who coached Fiji’s boxing rep Winston Hill to the Rio Olympics last year has four wins under his belt.
He suffered his first knockout loss against Fatu Tuimanono in 2009 and later recorded four knockout wins in his last four fights defeating Sefanaia Vakacegu, Mosese Kavika, Alipate Naqata and Ratu Atama Tuilolo.
“We are honoured to have Taumoepeau on this program and we are optimistic his return will contribute immensely to our goal of reviving Fijian boxing,” said Shameen.
“We thank him for agreeing to our request and we are looking forward to see him in action during the night.”
Promoter Simon Naushad has also confirmed the participation of three Labasa boxers.
The boxers are Krishneel Chand, Saven Singh of Labasa and Tevita Seta of Savusavu.
“These boys are eager to gauge their standards against the best in the country and we are still working in trying to get their opponents,” he said.
“This is a huge boost not only to our program but to the promotion and revival of Fijian boxing.
Naushad has also confirmed that Sigatoka Valley Tiger Abhay Chand will feature in the main bout.
“We are trying to line him against Tomu Gaunavou but we are still waiting for the approval of Boxing Commission of Fiji.”
“We have confirmed another exciting battle between the unbeaten Siliveni Nawai and Malakai Marama to feature in one of the extra supporting bouts.
“The program has been approved by BCF but they are yet to approve the sanction of each boxers,” he added.
Other renowned boxers to feature at the program include Opeti Tagi, Savanaca Naliva, the Krishna Muddaliar brothers, Junior Farzan Ali, Rahul Pillay, Jese Ravudi, Shamal Ram Anuj, Rahul Aron Kumar, Filimoni Naliva Jr, Ritesh Gounder, Charlie Sesefo, Sameer Ali, Penaia Ratu, Sakiusa Mekemeke, Samuela Foster, Ratu Paul.
The women’s bouts will feature Katrina Singh, Mable Talei, Visila Kolitapa and Anaseini Dakua.
