Ubayd Haider is currently recuperating in the Intensive Care Unit at Lautoka Aspen Hospital after suffering significant injuries during his fight against China’s Runqi Zhou for the IBO Asia Pacific Super Featherweight title at Prince Charles Park in Nadi last Saturday night.
Haider, who previously fought under the name Nathan Singh, faced a barrage of heavy body punches throughout the match and spent much of the time on the defensive. In contrast, Zhou fought aggressively, likened to a relentless Samurai. Haider was knocked down twice in the ninth round and was unable to recover in time to continue after the second fall. After the match, he collapsed on his way to the changing room and required immediate medical attention from the ringside doctor.
He was first taken to Nadi Hospital before being transferred to Lautoka, where he remains under care. Zhou commented on his strategy, stating that the plan was straightforward: focus on body shots to wear Haider down in the later rounds. “He (Haider) had too much smiling and not too much punching,” said Zhou, who emerged victorious and claimed the title. He expressed gratitude to the Fijian audience with a heartfelt message.
Zhou’s trainer, Angelo Hyder, was critical of Haider’s team, suggesting they should have anticipated the challenges of facing an opponent like Zhou. “I don’t know who is training him (Haider), I don’t know the level of sparring and how can he prepare for this guy,” Hyder remarked. He emphasized the importance of high-level training to compete effectively at the top levels of boxing.
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