The Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) chairman, Adi Narayan, sparked confusion during a press conference by stating that promoter Fred Chand had already been interviewed by the Commission of Inquiry. However, Chand clarified that his interview did not take place as scheduled on Thursday, citing a request from his lawyer for a postponement.
Chand stated, “My lawyer has talked to the Commission of Inquiry offering a date to conduct the interview,” emphasizing that he will have legal representation during the questioning. He expressed his readiness to cooperate with the inquiry alongside South Pacific Boxing Promotions (SPBP) director Mohammed Shameem.
The ongoing investigation follows the tragic death of featherweight boxer Ubayd Haider, who collapsed in the ring after competing for the IBO Asia Pacific title in Nadi on October 26, an event promoted by SPBP. The BCF organized the press conference to address concerns about the investigation and the suspension of the SPBP’s promoter license.
BCF board member Eroni Loganimoce indicated that the reinstatement of SPBP’s license hinges on the inquiry’s findings, highlighting concerns over Chand’s alleged breaches of the promoter’s agreement, including his comments on social media. Loganimoce stressed the importance of communication with the board, stating, “Chand should have let the board know of his grievances rather than airing it on social media platforms.”
Following the unfortunate incident during the October fight, the BCF is taking a firmer stance on boxing regulations to ensure the safety and integrity of the sport. “We want to keep boxing alive and clean. This has been our effort, and this is a big challenge that we faced,” Narayan noted, promising a review of current practices.
While the inquiry is still in progress, Narayan expressed hope for clarity before the month concludes. He acknowledged the contributions of SPBP, remarking, “We also give credit to SPBP; they’ve done well, they’ve given us some good programmes.”
Looking ahead, Narayan announced that Blue Water Promotions is set to launch the boxing program for next year in February. Additionally, two interested parties have indicated their desire to apply for promoter licenses, signaling potential growth and renewed interest in boxing in Fiji.
This situation underscores the complexity of ensuring safety in sports, but with diligent efforts from BCF and the willingness to revise protocols, the future of boxing in Fiji can be approached with hope and optimism. The commitment to maintaining the sport’s integrity while fostering new opportunities is a positive step for the boxing community.
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