Plans are underway for the development of a boxing gym in Labasa, aimed at reviving both amateur and professional boxing on Vanua Levu. This initiative was discussed by Samuela Ligairi, the special administrator of the Labasa Town Council, during an interview with SUNsports last Saturday, following his attendance at the South Pacific Boxing Promotion event at Subrail Park.
After a nine-year absence, professional boxing is returning to Labasa, and Ligairi expressed the council’s commitment to rejuvenating the sport through this new project. The proposed location for the gym is near the botanical garden at Lions Park, with construction expected to commence soon, contingent on funding support from various governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Boxing Commission of Fiji.
The planned facility will feature a boxing ring for training and will be a fully equipped gym. Ligairi noted the need for a larger space than what is currently available at Nasekula Gym, allowing more sports enthusiasts to train comfortably.
Collaboration discussions are ongoing between the Labasa Town Council and the Macuata Rugby Union to establish a larger gym in town. The MRU previously contributed to the development of the gym at Nasekula with equipment provided by the Silktails Rugby League Club. Additionally, the LTC is reaching out to other non-governmental organizations for support in this endeavor.
Ligairi anticipates that the new boxing gym will enhance the financial standing of the LTC and inspire individuals to take up the sport, helping them to realize their potential. He emphasized that hosting significant sporting events like the Digicel Fiji FACT football tournament, the Fiji Secondary Schools rugby competition (Vodafone Deans Trophy), and boxing promotions has greatly benefited the community in Vanua Levu.
“This is a holistic approach, aimed not just at benefitting the council but also boosting the local economy, where hoteliers, taxi operators, market vendors, and restaurants will share in the economic uplift,” Ligairi added.