The FMF Bluewater Boxing Promotion’s event came to an abrupt and chaotic halt on Friday night at King Charles Park amid unexpected police intervention. The disruption occurred as the highly anticipated Masa South Pacific Light Heavyweight title fight between international fighter Ryan Roberts and local contender Kolinio Luvelolo reached the end of its first round. This upheaval resulted from enforcing an 11pm cut-off as stipulated in the event permit, bringing the event to an unexpected close.
Disgruntled fans directed their ire towards event promoter Samir Khan, demanding refunds and, in some cases, reacting physically out of frustration. Tensions were exacerbated by the inclusion of four unforeseen bouts, including a veteran fight and a women’s match, which deviated from the original schedule. Fiji Boxing Commission chair Adi Narayan clarified that these additions were not sanctioned, emphasizing the importance of legal compliance and deflecting blame onto the promoter for the disorganization.
In an attempt to placate the outraged audience, Khan promised that the headline fights would be rescheduled, offering free entry for those who attended the disrupted event. Khan also expressed his dissatisfaction, citing that similar events in the past hadn’t experienced such disruptions, hinting at possible oversight or mismanagement in coordinating the event. Efforts to obtain comments from Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru were unsuccessful at the time of writing.
This incident mirrors past organizational shortcomings in local boxing promotions. Notably, a previous event in Sigatoka devolved into chaos due to inadequate crowd control, which similarly necessitated police intervention. These ongoing challenges underline the pressing need for improved planning, security measures, and strict adherence to event regulations to prevent future incidents.
To enhance the reputation and smooth operation of forthcoming boxing events in Fiji, it is essential to address these organizational gaps and ensure rigorous compliance with event guidelines. By securing proper management and safety protocols, organizers can deliver a better and safer experience for all involved, restoring confidence in boxing promotions across the region.