More promoters needed: Shameem

There is a need for more boxing promoters to assist in the development of the sport in the country, says Mohammed Shameem.

The South Pacific Boxing Promotions director, who is the son of the former promoter Noor Mohammed, arrived from Canada, last week to help in promoting the most awaited boxing match ‘The Revenge of the Bad Blood’ between Savenaca Naliva and Joseph Kwadjo.’

The promotion is set for this Saturday at Prince Charles Park, Nadi. “During the late 70s my dad was a promoter and boxing commands a good following and popular back then.

“Boxing is dying a slow death and what inspired me was when I had a chat with the late heavyweight champion Filimoni Naliva.

“He told me the struggles of trying to take his son Savenaca to the next level.

“We have so many young talented boxers now but the problem is we don’t have enough promoters in the country.

“And I am hoping more promoters will team up in future.

“There are two title fights, the main one being the light heavyweight clash between Joseph Kwadjo and Savenaca Naliwa,” Shameem said “And then we have the welterweight tight fight between Rakuro Daunivavana and Jese Ravudi. “And we’ve seven more fights which will see two upcoming boxers making their professional debut. “They are Nathan Singh, who is the younger brother of Sebastian Singh. and Mukesh Chand.

“We hope the turnout will be good after the first Naliva-Kwadjo clash was a disappointment due to circumstances which could have been avoided.

“I hope people will finally get to see what real boxing is this time. And all the boxers in the fight are very talented. I had a chat with Naliwa when I arrived in Nadi last Tuesday. And I look forward to watching who is going to fight till the end and take the title home.’