THE return of Fiji heavyweight boxing champion Petero Qica will boost the sport in Fiji, says South Pacific Boxing director Mohammed Shameen.
Qica will return to the ring after more than five years to defend his title when he faces Isikeli Navuni in his first warm-up fight promoted by South Pacific Boxing Promotion to be held at Nadi’s Prince Charles Park.
Shameen said Qica’s return would not only boost the sport but more importantly inspire boxers to challenge for the title.
He said Qica had been working hard at training and would want to retain his status as the heavyweight champion.
“Qica’s return is a huge boost and I am honoured to host him in my program,” said Shameen.
“One of the main reasons of promoting fight in Fiji is to bring back fighters like Qica who have established their marks in the ring.
“The fight against Navuni will be a warm-up for him because he has been out of the sport for long and needs more warm-ups before he can defend his title.
“We also have some good boxers around wanting to challenge him and it will be an exciting season for boxing.”
Shameen who will be hosting two title fights next month said he wanted to promoted quality fights for the fans.
The main fight will feature Joseph Kwadjo vs Savenaca Naliva.
The duo will battle for the new light heavyweight title while Rakuro Dauvavana will fight Ronald Naidu in another title bout. Other boxers to feature for the night include Jese Ravudi, Tomu Gaunavou, Abhay Chand, Filimoni Naliva Jr, Tevita Sete and Vitori Natawake.
The program is scheduled for February 9.
Fixtures: Kwadjo vs Naliva, Ronald Naidu vs Rakuro Dauvavana, Abhay Chand vs Nereo Cakautini, Jese Ravudi vs Iisikeli Senidoko, Tomu Gaunavou vs Tevita Sete, Robin Hezelmen vs Robert Kustel, Petero Qica vs Isikeli Navuni, Rupeni Nasaku vs Vitori Natawake, Serupepeli Vuniyayawa vs Filimoni Naliva, Karina Singh vs Visila Kolitapa.
