The death of Fijian boxer Ubayd Haider, also known as Nathan Singh, has sparked widespread calls for accountability, with both the opposition and the government weighing in on the need for an in-depth investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Haider, 25, died at the Lautoka Hospital Sunday, more than two weeks after collapsing following his IBO Asia Pacific Super Featherweight title fight against Australia-based Runqi Zhou on October 26 in Nadi. The incident has prompted concerns about the safety standards within the sport of boxing.
In a statement issued today, the Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu, called for an independent inquiry.
“Ubayd was a young and promising boxer, with a brilliant future ahead, he was more than just that; he was a husband and a father who has now been taken from an irreplaceable part in the lives of his family and friends and the whole boxing fraternity,” Seruiratu said. “While we value the fact that boxing is indeed a hazardous sport, all necessary precautions to ensure protection for our athletes must be taken. When Ubayd was left in a coma, the BCF launched an investigation, but that simply is not enough. What we really need is an independent inquiry-one that will delve into not just the circumstances surrounding his death but also examine the operations and safety procedures of BCF.
“We owe it to Ubayd, his family, and the sporting community to make sure all protocols were followed and that no stone has been left unturned in this investigation.”
Seruiratu also called for reforms to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.
Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru confirmed the government had established a Board of Inquiry (BOI) to investigate the incident. However, the initial choice to lead the inquiry had withdrawn, and the ministry was seeking a replacement.
Saukuru reiterated that the welfare of athletes is of paramount importance to the ministry and that the BOI would work to uncover the full facts behind Haider’s death – not only look at the events of the match but also examine the actions of those involved in the event.
In the meantime, the ministry has been supporting the family during this difficult time.
“We are assisting them in whatever way possible to ensure that everything is observed this afternoon. We will have a service to celebrate his life,” Saukuru said.
Haider will be accorded final rites at the Raralevu cemetery this evening.
