The future of a fundraising event for the late boxer Ubayd Haider, set to take place on February 22, 2025, remains uncertain following a series of contentious emails between Adi Narayan, chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF), and Bula Events promoter Alan Kumar. The BCF board ultimately decided to assign the date to Blue Water Boxing Promotion due to Kumar’s slow responses and insufficient planning for the event.
In a recent press conference, Narayan expressed his dissatisfaction with Kumar’s lack of communication regarding the details of the proposed program. He noted that Kumar had failed to provide a definitive plan outlining the event’s lineup. Narayan stressed the significance of honoring Haider’s legacy and proposed the idea of obtaining a sponsorship to create a dedicated belt for an annual event in Haider’s name.
“I urged Alan to secure a sponsor for a belt to keep Haider’s legacy alive, suggesting that BCF could support an annual event to commemorate him. Alan agreed to consult Haider’s family but has not followed up since,” Narayan stated.
Narayan’s attempts to organize a meeting with Kumar were thwarted when Kumar canceled, causing additional delays in reaching a decision. Frustrated by the ongoing back-and-forth, Narayan consulted with the BCF board, which ultimately chose to proceed with Blue Water Boxing Promotion’s proposed program for February.
While the board expressed support for Kumar’s initiative to fundraise for Haider’s family, they acknowledged the need to act decisively rather than await a finalized plan from Kumar. “We have made it clear that we support the efforts to fundraise for Haider, but we cannot afford to be inactive, which is why we allocated the date to Blue Water Boxing Promotion,” Narayan explained.
Kumar has chosen not to comment further, stating, “No comments on this as BCF has lost its dignity towards professional boxing in the country. I hope they will learn from the Fiji Amateur Boxing Association. We have decided to host another event on the same date.”
This situation underscores the challenges faced by promoters in organizing events, especially when communication breakdowns arise. However, the BCF’s commitment to honoring Ubayd Haider’s memory signifies a dedication to preserving a sporting legacy while also fostering opportunities for other promoters. This could lead to a more vibrant boxing scene in Fiji if managed appropriately.
In summary, the ongoing complications between the BCF and promoters reveal the importance of clear communication and timely planning in event organization. While the future of Haider’s fundraising event is currently uncertain, the commitment to honor his memory through an annual event offers a hopeful avenue for remembrance and legacy building in the boxing community.
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