‘It is like a dream come true’

The 2023 FMF Boxing Series will be held this Saturday, an event which is building up to be one of the best boxing promotions in the country in a long time.

After Winston Hill made his debut in the professional era in September last year, everyone wanted to see him fight Jese Ravudi. Making that possible was promoter Alan Kumar.

Out of nowhere, Kumar has made headlines in the past few weeks as he gets ready to host some amazing fights in his first promotion under the Tuwai Boxing Promotions.

Kumar, 42, better known as Alan Andrews in his friend’s circle is from, Kerebula, Nadi Back Rd.

“I was raised and brought up in Nadi in a multicultural family as my mum Alice Eliza Andrews is from Wainunu, Bua and father Arun Kumar is from Nadi,” he said in an interview.

The man from Nadi said his interest in sports started in school.

“My interest in sports was from primary school days where I was very active in soccer and athletics.

“My boxing interests grew when I was with Ali brothers in Nadi as both were my neighbours.

“I saw them training every day and spending time with them and watching their fights gave me an interest as a fan of boxing.”

His interests took a turn for the better when he moved to the capital for work.

“In 2013 I moved to Suva to work for the University of the South Pacific and my involvement in sports and charity organisation increased.

“I registered my business, Bula Events Group to host sports events and associated with charity organisations in making their events successful as well.

“My background is events management where I am involved in organising sporting events around the country such as futsal, volleyball, fun run and boxing.

“From 2017, we hosted many sports events and have a brand name in Business House Futsal Soccer League and Business House Volleyball League.”

The sports enthusiast, who is a marketing expert as well, brought on board double Olympic gold medallist Jerry Tuwai.

“I registered and got my boxing licence last year under Bula Boxing Promotions and we hosted only one promotion.

“This year we rebranded to Tuwai Boxing Promotions as I am working very closely with Jerry Tuwai.”

He said working with a man such as Tuwai was a blessing for him.

“He is one of the humblest person I have ever met. We have set up a plan and we are working towards that.” Kumar now lives in Valelevu with his family and says he is looking forward to reviving the sport of boxing in Fiji.

“I am the second eldest in the family of four with two brothers and one sister. I went to Andrews Primary School and Sangam SKM College. I am now married with two kids and am living in Valelevu, Nasinu.

“This week’s promotion is a life-changer for me. It is like a dream come true to have this line-up of boxers in my promotion. Fans can expect nothing less than amazing bouts come Saturday.”