Confusion arose following a press conference held by Adi Narayan, the chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF), where he announced that promoter Fred Chand had been interviewed by the Commission of Inquiry. However, when contacted, Chand stated that his interview, which was scheduled for Thursday, was postponed at his lawyer’s request.
“My lawyer discussed with the Commission of Inquiry to arrange a new date for the interview,” Chand said from Sydney, Australia. He emphasized that his lawyer would accompany him during the interview, which he considers his legal right, and that all communications would be handled through his lawyer at this time.
Chand, along with SPBP director Mohammed Shameem, expressed their readiness to cooperate with the Commission of Inquiry to address the ongoing investigation into the tragic death of boxer Ubayd Haider. Haider collapsed during the ring following his IBO Asia Pacific title fight in Nadi on October 26, an event promoted by the South Pacific Boxing Promotions (SPBP).
During the press conference, Narayan and board member Eroni Loganimoce attempted to clarify multiple issues related to the investigation and the suspension of the SPBP’s license, which occurred on November 29. Loganimoce pointed out that the reinstatement of SPBP’s license would hinge on the Commission of Inquiry’s findings, underscoring that allegations had been made against Chand for breaching the promoter’s agreement.
“We noticed that after we requested the promoter refrain from discussing the matter on social media, he chose to ignore this directive,” he noted. Additionally, Chand’s attempts to sow discord within the board were mentioned, with Loganimoce emphasizing that future licensing decisions would depend on the Inquiry’s results.
Loganimoce further elaborated that while promoter licenses are renewed annually, Chand should have communicated his concerns directly to the board, rather than airing them publicly on social media. The tragedy of the October fight has resulted in the BCF becoming increasingly stringent regarding future boxing events.
Narayan reiterated the organization’s commitment to fostering a safe and reputable boxing environment. He acknowledged the contributions of SPBP to the boxing scene while reminding them of the importance of mutual respect in their dealings. The ongoing investigation has been extended, with hopes of reaching a conclusion by the end of the month.
Looking ahead, Narayan mentioned that Blue Water Promotions is set to commence the boxing schedule for the next year in February, and two individuals have already expressed interest in acquiring promoter licenses.
This situation underscores the critical importance of ensuring safety and adherence to regulations in sports. While the current circumstances are challenging, they present an opportunity for the Boxing Commission of Fiji to strengthen its policies and practices, ultimately paving the way for a safer and more organized boxing environment.
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