Confusion arose following statements made by Adi Narayan, chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF), during a press conference. He mentioned that promoter Fred Chand had been interviewed by the Commission of Inquiry, which Chand denied, stating that his interview had been postponed due to a request from his lawyer. From Sydney, Australia, Chand clarified that he would attend the interview accompanied by his lawyer, emphasizing that this is his legal right and that all communications would go through his legal representative.
Chand and South Pacific Boxing Promotion (SPBP) director Mohammed Shameem expressed their willingness to cooperate with the Commission of Inquiry to provide clarity on the situation. The inquiry stems from the tragic death of featherweight boxer Ubayd Haider, who collapsed during an IBO Asia Pacific title fight in Nadi on October 26, an event facilitated by SPBP.
During their press conference, Narayan and fellow board member Eroni Loganimoce addressed the suspension of SPBP’s license on November 29 and clarified that its reinstatement is contingent upon the inquiry’s findings. Loganimoce raised concerns about Chand allegedly violating a promoter’s agreement by discussing matters on social media, instead of addressing them directly with the board, which they believe could undermine the integrity of boxing in Fiji.
“We want to keep boxing alive and clean. It has been our effort and this is a big challenge that we faced. And it will really make us do a review,” Narayan stated, highlighting the need for stringent regulations moving forward to ensure the sport’s safety and credibility.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Narayan acknowledged the contributions of SPBP in promoting boxing events and stated that efforts to maintain respect within the sport are paramount. He also mentioned that Blue Water Promotions is slated to launch the boxing program for the upcoming year in February and noted potential interest from two individuals seeking to obtain promoter licenses.
While the situation remains precarious, there is hope that through continued dialogue and collaboration, the boxing community in Fiji can emerge stronger and more unified, ensuring the safety and well-being of its athletes.
This ongoing investigation will be crucial in determining the path forward for all involved, and the commitment from both the BCF and promoters like SPBP signals a collective effort to uphold the standards of the sport.
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