THE sport of boxing in Fiji continues to deliver drama, and Saturday’s ZEG Boxing Promotions event proved no different.
Indian boxer Aarti Hooda was left shocked after what should have been a memorable victory turned into controversy.
Hooda was initially declared the winner following her eight two-minute round minimumweight bout against New Zealand’s Emma Nesbitt.
However, hours later, officials revealed a scoring mix-up and overturned the result, officially declaring the fight a draw.
The unexpected reversal has sparked fresh debate over judging standards and transparency in local boxing, with fans and stakeholders questioning how such an error could occur after a result had already been announced.
Boxing events in Fiji have rarely been short of controversy, but this incident has taken matters to another level.
From past scenes of boxers storming the ring over decisions to heated exchanges to profanities with referees and opponents, the sport has seen its share of turmoil.
Yet, an error in judges’ tabulation of this magnitude is being described as unprecedented.
Hooda, who boasts an impressive record of over 50 fights with 47 wins, had spoken highly of the opportunity to fight in Fiji prior to the bout.
But the aftermath has left her questioning the competence of the sport’s governing body and its officials.
“I had won the fight. The public saw it, they cheered me on, and some hours later they changed the decision,” Hooda said, adding she had never experienced anything like it in her career.
Team sponsor Viyas Deo Sharma also raised serious concerns and indicated he would seek legal advice.
“If people think Hooda is from India and it’s okay to treat her the way they did, then make no mistake, we are here to seek justice,” Sharma said.
He further questioned the delay in processing the scores.
“It took almost an hour to tabulate the points, how strange is that?”
Sharma added that controversial decisions are not new in Fiji’s sporting landscape.
“We often see questionable decisions in football and other sports in Fiji. Now you can add boxing to that list. There are serious issues within the sport that need to be addressed.”
