James ‘The Beast’ Singh created history by defeating Jonasa Kavika via a knockout to become the first Fijian of Indian descent boxing heavyweight champion of the country.
Singh decked a worn-out Kavika one minute 26 seconds in round seven of the 10×3 heavyweight title fight during the South Pacific Boxing Promotions Program at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka on Saturday.
However, the victory was bitter sweet for Singh as the heavyweight belt was not available when chief guest Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts, Rosy Akbar stepped into the ring to do the presentation.
Boxing Commission of Fiji chairman Subhash Appana said the parent body was unaware that the belt was not with the promoter. Appana said they would present the belt to Singh at a special ceremony.
“That is the only way we can solve this,” he said.
With the victory, Singh engraves his name on Fiji’s heavyweight champions list along the likes of Petero Qica, Mosese Kavika, Frank Atu, Silovate Rasaku Jr, Waisiki Ligaloa, Mitieli Navuilawa, Aisea Nama, Niko Degei, Jeke Naqelevuki, Vuniivi Nadumu, Filimone Joe Naliva, Leweni Waqa, Tom Hini and Isimeli Radrodro.
Singh’s father Charan is a building contractor of Votua in Nadi while his mother, Eleni Dakolo is from Vatukarasa Village on the Coral Coast.
Following the fight Singh thanked his family and sponsors.
“There was no James Singh before so I thank my mum and dad for bringing me into this world and I have made them proud,” he said.
