An investigation is set to be conducted regarding the case of featherweight boxer Ubayd Haider, who collapsed following his fight on Saturday and is currently in critical condition at Lautoka Aspen Hospital.
Haider sustained a head injury and underwent surgery on Sunday, and he remains in a coma in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This information was disclosed by Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka, who will be consulting with Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru on the issue.
Gavoka emphasized the importance of caution in contact sports such as boxing, stating, “We need to be careful with how we prepare our people and we must know the rules and the risks involved.” He added that dehydration can severely impact an athlete’s performance and safety, highlighting the need for strict regulations in the sport.
Haider suffered a ninth-round technical knockout (TKO) loss to Australian boxer Runqi Zhou during their International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific featherweight title fight at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.
Sports legend Sonny Bill Williams, who attended the event, expressed his hopes for Haider’s recovery. He shared a personal connection to Haider and his family, stating, “God willing, I wish Haider pulls through. He’s still 50-50 at the moment.” Williams described his visit to the hospital to show support for Haider’s relatives, emphasizing the power of prayer for the boxer’s recovery.
Haider’s wife, Helen, has requested privacy for the family during this difficult time. “They are monitoring him for the next 48 to 72 hours. He is still in a coma at the moment. Only close relatives are allowed to visit him,” she said.
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