Plans are underway to establish a boxing gym in Labasa aimed at revitalizing both amateur and professional boxing in Vanua Levu. This development was highlighted by Labasa Town Council special administrator Samuela Ligairi during an interview with SUNsports last Saturday.
Ligairi attended the South Pacific Boxing Promotion event at Subrail Park, marking the return of professional boxing to Labasa after a nine-year absence. He mentioned that the Labasa Town Council (LTC) intends to promote the sport through this new project.
The proposed site for the gym is situated near the botanical garden at Lions Park. According to Ligairi, construction is set to begin shortly, with potential funding support anticipated from the Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Boxing Commission of Fiji.
He noted that the facility will include a boxing ring and will be fully equipped to aid in training. Due to space limitations at the Nasekula Gym, the LTC aims to create a more spacious environment to accommodate a larger number of sports enthusiasts.
Conversations have taken place between the LTC and the Macuata Rugby Union (MRU) regarding the development of a bigger gym in the town. The MRU previously supported the establishment of the gym at Nasekula, providing equipment donated by the Silktails Rugby League Club. The LTC is also reaching out to other Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) for further assistance with this initiative.
Ligairi emphasized that this proposed gym would not only enhance LTC’s finances but also inspire individuals to take up the sport and explore their potential. He added that hosting significant sporting events, such as the Digicel Fiji FACT football tournament, the Fiji Secondary Schools rugby competition (Vodafone Deans Trophy), and boxing promotions, has brought vitality to the community in Vanua Levu.
“This is a holistic approach, benefiting not just the council but also the local economy, providing an economic boost for hoteliers, taxi services, market vendors, and restaurants,” he remarked.