A boxing gym is set to be developed in Labasa with the aim of revitalizing amateur and professional boxing in Vanua Levu. This announcement was made by Labasa Town Council special administrator, Samuela Ligairi, during an interview with SUNsports last Saturday, following his attendance at the South Pacific Boxing Promotion event held at Subrail Park. This marks the return of professional boxing to Labasa after a nine-year hiatus.
Ligairi indicated that the Labasa Town Council (LTC) intends to bring the sport back to life by embarking on this development project. The proposed location for the gym is near the botanical garden at Lions Park, and initial construction is expected to commence soon. Funding support is anticipated from the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Boxing Commission of Fiji.
The gym will feature a boxing ring for training and will be fully equipped. Ligairi mentioned that the current facility at the Nasekula Gym has limited space, and the new gym will provide a more spacious environment, allowing more sports enthusiasts to train effectively.
Furthermore, discussions have taken place between the LTC and the Macuata Rugby Union (MRU) regarding the development of a larger gym in the town. The MRU was instrumental in establishing the current gym at Nasekula, equipped with donations from the Silktails Rugby League Club. The LTC is also reaching out to other non-governmental organizations to seek additional support for the initiative.
Ligairi expressed that this proposed gym development could boost the financial capacity of the LTC. He believes it will attract those interested in boxing, allowing them to discover their potential in the sport. Additionally, hosting major sporting events, such as the Digicel Fiji FACT football tournament and the Vodafone Deans Trophy in rugby, has invigorated the community in Vanua Levu.
“This initiative takes a holistic approach, benefiting not only the council but also the local economy, as hoteliers, taxi operators, market vendors, and restaurants stand to gain from the profits,” Ligairi added.