FIJI’S professional boxing industry is under increasing pressure to restore credibility following yet another controversial program that ended in chaos over the weekend.
The Bluewater Boxing Promotion’s “Lawaqa Rumble” in Sigatoka on Saturday night delivered thrilling in-ring action, but the disputed main event between former Fiji heavyweight champion James “The Beast” Singh and Sainivalati “The Warrior” Ratu once again focused attention on concerns surrounding officiating and administration.
Ratu was awarded a points victory over Singh, sparking heated scenes at ringside, with police forced to intervene after Singh’s camp vehemently protested the judges’ decision.
An emotional Singh during his post-fight interview, accused poor officiating of continuing to damage the sport locally after he was denied reviewing the judges scores sheets.
This controversy comes at a challenging time for Fijian boxing, which is striving to rebuild its reputation and secure greater support from government and corporate sponsors.
Notably, two bouts featured during the Bluewater promotion stemmed from a permit breach related to a program held last year.
The incident follows earlier controversy at the “ZEG Kings Promotion” in Suva, where local boxer Junior Binnu Singh defeated India’s Varun Phartyal for the vacant Professional Boxing Commission New Zealand South Pacific super bantamweight title. That event drew scrutiny after Indian boxer Aarti Hooda settled for a split draw against WBA champion Ema Nesbit due to an incorrectly tallied judge’s scorecard, while Phartyal also disputed the main event result.
ZEG Boxing Promotions representative Alfaaz Mallam said repeated controversies were damaging the sport’s growth. “Promoters invest heavily to raise boxing standards here,” Mallam said.
“If controversy persists, sponsors and fans will withdraw support from a sport we are trying to rebuild.”
Bluewater promoter Samir Khan acknowledged the need for improved judging and confirmed discussions were underway for a Singh-Ratu rematch.
Boxing Commission of Fiji chairman Adi Narayan who was not present at the event said he would comment after receiving an official report from his board member who attended the event.
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