The family of Ubayd Haider, the talented Fijian boxer who tragically passed away after a fight, is seeking clarity about the events that unfolded on the night of the bout at Prince Charles Park in Nadi on October 26. Haider, who was in a coma for 16 days following brain surgery, succumbed to his injuries at Lautoka’s Aspen Hospital on Sunday.
His father, Gyan Singh, a veteran boxing trainer, expressed the family’s devastation and their urgent need for answers. “This is a sad day for us,” he remarked, emphasizing the great potential seen in Haider as a boxer. Funeral arrangements are underway, with Haider having converted to Islam; Singh mentioned it is his duty to honor his son’s faith in the final rites.
During the IBO Asia Pacific Featherweight title bout, Haider suffered a technical knockout against China’s Runqi Zhou in the ninth round. After collapsing on his way to the changing room, he was swiftly transported to medical facilities but ultimately could not recover. There are concerns about compliance with the Boxing Commission of Fiji’s safety regulations, which mandate the presence of a stretcher at ringside during fights.
Haider’s unexpected passing has drawn condolences from his opponent, Zhou, who praised his fighting spirit. At just 25 years old, Haider leaves behind his wife, Helen Margaret Singh, and their two children. In her heartfelt tribute, she thanked him for their memories and the joy he brought into their lives.
In response to this unfortunate incident, the Government and the Boxing Commission of Fiji have initiated a Commission of Inquiry, chaired by Pita Driti, which is expected to question at least 10 people regarding the circumstances surrounding Haider’s death.
As the community mourns this loss, there is hope that the inquiry will bring about necessary changes to ensure the safety and wellbeing of boxers in the future. The public can pay their respects today from 3 pm to 5 pm at FMF Gym, with the funeral occurring at 5:30 pm, followed by burial later in the evening.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the inherent risks of combat sports and the importance of ensuring safety protocols are stringently followed to protect athletes. The respect shown to Haider by both fans and fellow athletes reflects the impact he had on those around him.
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