Plans are underway to establish a boxing gym in Labasa aimed at revitalizing both amateur and professional boxing in Vanua Levu. This was revealed 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 hiatus.
Ligairi expressed that the Labasa Town Council (LTC) intends to foster the sport through this initiative. The proposed site for the gym is located near the botanical garden at Lions Park. Initial construction is expected to begin soon, with potential financial support coming from the Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Boxing Commission of Fiji.
“We will provide a boxing ring for training, and it will be a fully equipped gym,” Ligairi stated. He noted that the existing Nasekula Gym has limited space, prompting the need for a larger facility to accommodate more sporting enthusiasts.
The LTC has engaged in discussions with the Macuata Rugby Union (MRU) to facilitate the development of a larger gym in the area. The MRU previously assisted in developing the gym at Nasekula with equipment donated by the Silktails Rugby League Club. Additionally, the LTC has reached out to other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for support in this venture.
Ligairi indicated that the proposed gym would also bolster the financial health of the LTC while motivating individuals to get involved in the sport and explore their potential. He emphasized the positive impact of hosting significant sporting events—such as the Digicel Fiji FACT football tournament and the Fiji Secondary Schools rugby competition—on the local community, revitalizing the economy by benefiting hoteliers, taxi operators, market vendors, and restaurants.
“It is a holistic approach, not just for council benefit, but for the local economy as a whole,” he added.