Heavyweight hopeful calls on Fijian fans for support
Korolevu- based heavyweight boxer James Singh is confident of knocking out former New Zealand Commonwealth Games silver medallist David Light in today’s international fight at Onehunga, Auckland in New Zealand.
The 23-year-old has won all his three professional fights by knockouts. He has prepared well as he underwent a six-week training programme in Suva under the watchful eyes of Ghanaian boxer Joseph Kwadjo.
“I’m ready for this six-round fight and it’s going to be a good one,” Singh said before flying to Auckland with trainer Freddy Chand.
“This is the first time for me to fight outside Fiji. I will be flying the Fiji flag high.”
Light won the silver medal in the men’s heavyweight division at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Light turned professional in 2017 and has eight bouts under his belt with five knockout wins. “David is a good opponent since he has eight fights. He is undefeated in New Zealand and is a Commonwealth silver medallist. I have trained for six weeks and I’m ready for him. I’m working very hard and I think I will knock him out probably by the third or fourth round.”
Singh thanked all his supporters and sponsors including Quarry One, Vilisite Restaurant, Boxing Commission of Fiji, and Kwadjo for training him for the past two weeks. Seaside Boxing director Chand said: “The fight with David Light is a milestone for us. A big test for a local champion. So this will be a good build-up when the Fiji heavyweight title will be at stake.”
Chand said New Zealand-based Iraqi boxer Siven Hermez will be supporting Singh as one of his cornermen. He has also called on the Fijian community in Auckland to be at the fight to cheer for Singh. Meanwhile, the hard hitting Singh is now one of the three contenders for the vacant Fiji heavyweight title. Top on the list is Bukuya, Ba boxer Vilimoni Taginikoro.
It is understood that former title holder and unbeaten Petero Qica Jnr is anticipating of making a comeback by the end of the year.
Qica won the heavyweight title from Mosese Kavika and has also claimed the scalps of Fatu Tuimanono and Alifereti Qiolele.
Another outside contender is 2003 South Pacific Games gold medallist Inia Vuli.
Vuli has had one professional fight where he knocked out the fearsome Alifereti Misioka in the seventh round.
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