Boxing shame

Opinions / Analysis

UNRULY boxers should hang their heads in shame for the disgraceful spectacle that occurred at the weekend.

James Singh and Semi Dauloloma got into a brawl over what a ring insider said the latter retaliated over Singh’s continued canvas hits.  

The chaotic scene is a tragedy that provides a morbid fascination many wouldn't want to admit that boxing has become more of a street fight.

The truth is that boxing is a sport that at its core is about one man hurting another. But, all under the rules of the sport, it is anything but in Fiji.

Respect ring

For the ring is a pedestal, placing the fighters on it and watching the lawful proceedings.  

We hold them to fathomable standards.  

We judge them fairly and unfairly, harshly and lovingly.  

And it’s the ring though, that decides a winner, the boxer with superior athleticism, skill, spirit, precision, timing, studying and adjustment win it.

It seems like a country that produced some of the best boxers has become far shy of real fighters, the weekend clip that is making its round on social media platforms isn’t any exaggeration.  

Singh, goon show  Singh who dominated the sport for sometime now is lacking the amber flakes.

For him, it’s his bad habits that are hard to break.

He was in the middle of a goon show in 2015, when he ran a triad on Ronald Naidu’s trainer Francis Shane who was celebrating ringside the 10th round victory over Nathen Singh (Umbayed Haider).

James did not like Shane’s over the top celebrations as he was rooting for Nathan to win the fight.  

He had to be restrained by a team of policemen and removed out of the concourse. Sebastian Singh, Nathen’s brother also got worked up, he spewed anger filled profanities at the Boxing Commission of Fiji, over referee Jerry Ledua’s standing count.

Ironically, Nathen (Umbayed) was embroiled on the weekend as he stepped in the ring after Mikaele Ravolaca challenged him to fix a fight.

A skirmish broke out, the two boxers pushed and shoved as quick actions from officials defused things from escalating.

Dauloloma reaction

Dauloloma isn’t any smart boxer, or is he?

Whatever transpired that led to a wrestle on the canvas and subsequent hits was the referee's decision to warn, penalize and may deduct points for continuous fouls.

Dauloloma’s egregious behaviour and his corner-man bull of an anger to attack James and officials isn’t any boxing.

The corner-man was unhappy with the decision and made his feelings known. He made his way across the ring and launched several punches to officials before being shoved into his corner by the referee and Police.

Action needed

The Boxing Commission of Fiji needs to do a fine tooth comb investigation on the toxic culture that has plagued the sport.

The relationship between rules and violent aspects of boxing underscores the sport's dynamic blend of technique, strategy, and disciplined training.

These are a cornerstone of the sport, shaping the framework within which boxers compete.

They must understand that rules are designed to create a structured and safe environment for competition.

The perpetrators of the weekend drama must be dealt with suspensions and or fines to prevent similar acts from happening again.