Plans are underway to establish a boxing gym in Labasa aimed at rejuvenating both amateur and professional boxing in Vanua Levu. This initiative was highlighted by Labasa Town Council’s special administrator, Samuela Ligairi, during an interview with SUNsports last Saturday. Ligairi participated in the South Pacific Boxing Promotion event held at Subrail Park, marking the return of professional boxing to Labasa after a nine-year absence.
According to Ligairi, the council is eager to revitalize the sport by launching this project. The selected location for the gym will be near the botanical garden at Lions Park, with construction expected to commence shortly. The development will potentially receive funding support from the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Boxing Commission of Fiji.
The facility will include a boxing ring for training and will be fully equipped to accommodate aspiring boxers. Ligairi noted that the existing Nasekula Gym is limited in space, prompting the need for a larger facility that can cater to more sports enthusiasts.
To facilitate the project, the Labasa Town Council has been in discussions with the Macuata Rugby Union to develop a larger gym in the town. The MRU previously contributed to the establishment of the Nasekula Gym through equipment donations from the Silktails Rugby League Club. The council has also reached out to other non-government organizations for support in this initiative.
Ligairi believes that the development will enhance the financial prospects of the council while inviting more individuals to participate in boxing and explore their potential. He pointed out that hosting major sports events like the Digicel Fiji FACT football tournament and the Vodafone Deans Trophy has positively impacted the local community in Vanua Levu.
“This is a holistic approach that benefits not only the council but also the local economy, enabling hoteliers, taxi operators, market vendors, and restaurants to share in the economic gains,” he emphasized.