The FMF Bluewater Boxing Promotion came to an unexpected halt in a chaotic fashion on Friday night at King Charles Park, when police officers intervened, stopping the headline bout between international fighter Ryan Roberts and local talent Kolinio Luvelolo. This disturbance occurred just as the highly anticipated Masa South Pacific Light Heavyweight title fight reached the end of the first round. The enforcement of an 11pm cut-off, as stated in the event permit, left the program abruptly interrupted.
Outraged fans expressed their discontent towards promoter Samir Khan, calling for refunds and even resorting to throwing punches in frustration. The discord stemmed from the inclusion of four additional bouts, including a veteran fight and a female match, which were not part of the original fight schedule, as confirmed by Fiji Boxing Commission chair Adi Narayan.
Narayan emphasized the importance of adhering to the law, underlining that the commission bore no fault for the night’s events, as the promoter decided to incorporate additional fights last minute. Despite the chaos, promoter Khan reassured the audience that the headline bouts would still occur on a future date, with free admission for all attendees.
Khan also expressed his dissatisfaction with the night’s outcome, noting that similar late-night events had not caused the same level of disturbance in the past. Attempts to reach out to the Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru for comments remained unanswered at press time.
This incident echoes previous events where poor management and security shortcomings at boxing promotions have led to disarray. Similar issues were noted in an earlier event in Sigatoka, where inadequate crowd control led to a brawl that only subsided with police intervention. These continual challenges highlight the need for improved planning and adherence to safety protocols in upcoming boxing events in Fiji.
Given these recurring issues, addressing organizational and security measures will be crucial in enhancing the reputation and smooth execution of future boxing promotions. Maintaining strict compliance with event permits and ensuring robust management could help avoid such chaotic situations and provide a better experience for both participants and fans.