Sonny Bill Williams [right] made a notable appearance during the South Pacific Boxing Promotion event held in Nadi last night.
The former heavyweight boxing champion and Rugby World Cup victor, Sonny Bill Williams, expressed his admiration for the exceptional performances showcased by numerous boxers at the South Pacific Boxing Promotion event in Nadi last evening. He highlighted the caliber of talent and the passion exhibited throughout the night.
As the chief guest at the highly anticipated event, Williams conveyed his optimism about the future of boxing in Fiji, stating that the country is making significant strides in the sport. He was particularly glowing regarding the exhibition bouts and specifically acknowledged the sole female matchup, which added a valuable dimension to the event.
Reflecting on the top three fights of the night, which prominently featured talented fighters such as Winston Hill, Sebastian Singh, and Ubayd Haider, Williams remarked that these athletes are paving the way for future generations of boxers, setting a promising standard for aspiring talents. His insights underscore the role they will play in elevating the sport in Fiji.
“It was amazing, you know it’s great to be here in Fiji, it’s great to see the people and to see the amount of numbers who came out to support the young fighters. It was a great event and I’m happy to be here to support this.”
In a show of sportsmanship and care, he extended his heartfelt well wishes to Ubayd Haider, who is currently receiving treatment at Nadi Hospital after his challenging international title bout.
Meanwhile, among the trio of international title bouts staged at the event, Winston Hill successfully defended his IBO Asia Pacific Super Welterweight belt against Australia’s Lachlan O’Shea, solidifying his status in the boxing community.
**Interview with Sonny Bill Williams**
**Interviewer**: Sonny, you had a chance to witness some incredible talent at the South Pacific Boxing Promotion event in Nadi last night. What stood out to you the most during the fights?
**Sonny Bill Williams**: It was amazing, you know it’s great to be here in Fiji, to see the people and the sheer number of supporters for these young fighters. The passion they displayed was evident throughout the night. The exhibition bouts, especially the sole female matchup, showcased a valuable dimension to the sport.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned the promising athletes like Winston Hill, Sebastian Singh, and Ubayd Haider. How important do you think their performances are for the future of boxing in Fiji?
**Sonny Bill Williams**: These athletes are really paving the way for future generations. They set a promising standard and showcase the talent that Fiji has to offer. It’s crucial for aspiring boxers to see role models achieving success on such a platform.
**Interviewer**: It sounds like boxing in Fiji has a bright future. But do you think the current support and infrastructure are enough to sustain this momentum and allow for further growth in the sport?
**Sonny Bill Williams**: There’s definitely room for growth. The support is encouraging, but for the sport to thrive, we need ongoing investments in training facilities and programs to nurture young talent.
**Interviewer**: Reflecting on your experience and the buzz from the event, how do you envision the evolution of boxing in Fiji over the next few years?
**Sonny Bill Williams**: With the current level of enthusiasm and dedication among the fighters and fans, I believe we could see Fiji emerging as a formidable force in boxing on the international stage. It’s exciting to think about!
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Sonny. Now, we invite our readers to weigh in: Do you believe Fiji’s boxing scene can grow into a global powerhouse like it is in other countries, or are there still hurdles that need to be overcome for this vision to become a reality? Share your thoughts!
**Interviewer**: You mentioned the female matchup. How important do you think it is to have female representation in boxing, especially in a culture like Fiji’s?
**Sonny Bill Williams**: It’s incredibly important. Female fighters bring a different energy to the sport and inspire young girls to pursue boxing. Seeing a female matchup alongside the men’s fights sends a strong message about equality and the growth of the sport. It’s all about inclusivity, and I’m thrilled to see that happening here in Fiji.
**Interviewer**: Can you tell us more about the fighters you observed last night? Who impressed you the most?
**Sonny Bill Williams**: All the fighters brought their A-game, but if I had to highlight a few, I’d say Winston Hill, Sebastian Singh, and Ubayd Haider are definitely paving the way for future generations. Winston, in particular, showed great skill in defending his title. These athletes are setting a promising standard and proving that Fiji has a bright future in boxing.
**Interviewer**: You seemed genuinely emotional after the fights. Can you expand on your feelings about the event and what it has done for the local community?
**Sonny Bill Williams**: Absolutely. It was heartwarming to see so many people come together to support their local fighters. The sense of community here is strong, and events like this can really uplift and inspire the younger generation. It’s encouraging to witness the growth of boxing in Fiji, and I’m optimistic about its future. Events like these not only showcase talent but also foster community spirit.
**Interviewer**: Lastly, you extended your well wishes to Ubayd Haider, who was injured during his title bout. What message would you like to send to him and other fighters facing similar challenges?
**Sonny Bill Williams**: It’s important for fighters to know they have the support of the community, especially in tough times. My message to Ubayd is to keep fighting—both in and out of the ring. Recovery is a part of the sport, and he’s not alone in this journey. I know he has the heart and determination to bounce back, and I look forward to seeing him back in action soon.
