Police investigate if Melbourne business fires linked to looming fight night

Two entertainment centres in Melbourne’s north have been gutted by fire overnight, with police investigating if the suspicious blazes are linked to a looming boxing fight night.

One of the venues was set to host a fight involving professional kickboxer and underworld figure Sam “The Punisher” Abdulrahim.

Both fires are believed to be linked, with detectives investigating whether the businesses were targeted. There is no suggestion the fires are connected to Abdulrahim or that he had any involvement in them.

Emergency services first responded to a fire at the Furlan Club on Matisi Street in Thornbury about 1.50am.

The event space was well alight by the time crews arrived, with firefighters requiring the use of a breathing apparatus to enter the building and control the blaze.

The venue was set to host the World Boxing Council Interim Australasia Championship match between Abdulrahim and Savenaca Naliva on Saturday night.

Police are investigating whether a burnt-out car found dumped in Mason Street in Reservoir is linked to the incident.

About 11 km away, crews were called to another fire at a reception venue on Settlement Road in Thomastown just after 6am.

Firefighters managed to control the fire at the Emerald Reception Centre, which was left partly destroyed.

Nobody was physically harmed during either incident, but both businesses were significantly damaged.

Detectives from Taskforce Lunar are investigating both fires, with an arson chemist expected to attend the scenes this morning.

“At this stage, investigators are treating the fires as linked and believe both attacks were potentially targeted at events scheduled to be held at the venues,” police said.