THE FMF Bluewater Boxing Promotion ended in chaos on Friday night after Police officers stepped in and stopped the headline bout between overseas fighter Ryan Roberts and Fiji’s Kolinio Luvelolo at King Charles Park.
The highly anticipated Masa South Pacific Light Heavyweight title fight had only reached the end of the first round when Police halted the program, enforcing the 11pm cut-off time stated in the event permit.
The late stoppage left fans outraged, with many swearing at promoter Samir Khan, demanding refunds, and some even attempting to throw punches in frustration.
Fiji Boxing Commission chair Adi Narayan confirmed the delay was caused by four additional bouts that were not part of the original schedule but were included at the last minute.
These included a veteran fight, a female bout, and other supporting matches.
“Well, this is the law and we should abide by the law. They ask us why we didn’t check the permit. I checked the permit and 11pm the fight should’ve finished,” Narayan said.
“When you come and say I’m gonna put another three or four here, this is the consequence and you pay the price, Boxing Commission is not at fault here,” the BCF chair added.
Despite the chaotic scenes, promoter Samir Khan assured fans the two main bouts would still take place on a later date.
“I’m not a person who will run away. I will pick a date, everybody can come and watch for free.
“I’m not happy what transpired here at Prince Charles Park. So many times program happened here. I’m 100 per cent sure never was a permit given to a promoter for 1am and previous program fight finish at 1am but no one did anything to them.
Questions were sent to the Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru but remained unanswered when this edition went to press last night.
