A former commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ Land Force is now part of a three-member committee formed to investigate a serious boxing incident that occurred last Saturday at Prince Charles Park in Nadi. Pita Driti is joined by Philip Heneriko, director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and Adi Narayan, chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF). Their primary duty is to gather testimonies and information from all involved parties.
During a press conference in Suva, Narayan mentioned that the committee has a 30-day timeframe to conduct their investigation. They have received a Terms of Reference (TOR), which was approved following discussions with the Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, who is currently out of the country.
The investigation comes after featherweight boxer Umbayd Haider suffered a critical medical condition following a fight. He is receiving treatment at Lautoka Hospital after undergoing head surgery on Sunday. Haider fell unconscious in the ring after losing to Australia’s Runqi Zhou by technical knockout in the ninth round for the IBO Asia Pacific title.
Narayan explained that the match was sanctioned by both the IBO and the BCF, and they intend to interview all relevant individuals, including the IBO fight commissioner, Justin Kennedy, the referee, Ignatius Missailidis, and the judges, who were local to Fiji. The promoter and corner personnel will also be questioned to ensure that they held appropriate licenses.
Additionally, the investigation will delve into why post-fight drug testing protocols for the boxers were not followed, as specified in the TOR.
This thorough investigation aims to ensure accountability and improve safety protocols for future boxing events, ultimately providing a better experience for both fighters and fans.
In light of the issues raised, this initiative represents a commitment to enhancing the standards of boxing in Fiji, ensuring that safety and compliance are prioritized moving forward.
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