Cruiserweight boxer Sebastian Singh has expressed his profound grief and criticism towards the chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF), Adi Narayan, following comments Narayan made regarding the death of Singh’s younger brother, Ubayd Haider. Singh’s remarks came during a press conference in Suva yesterday, where he emphasized that the BCF and those in positions of authority should treat individuals involved in boxing with empathy.

The controversy arose after Narayan suggested that Singh’s family must bear responsibility for Haider’s tragic death, which occurred after his fight on October 26, 2024, against Australia’s Runqi Zhou for the vacant IBO super featherweight title. Haider collapsed post-fight and passed away on November 10 after undergoing critical head surgery at Lautoka Aspen Hospital, prompting deep sorrow in the boxing community.

Singh highlighted the pain his family is enduring, stating, “We are still mourning and very much in pain over the death of Ubayd.” He critiqued Narayan’s ethics, asserting that a person of Narayan’s age should exhibit respect towards grieving individuals. Singh mentioned that Narayan’s comments may have been influenced by a medical report alleging that Haider suffered a head injury while competing in Australia. However, Singh countered this by presenting three medical reports, including one from a Sydney physician, which cleared Haider for the fight.

Diving deeper into the investigation surrounding Haider’s death, Singh pointed out discrepancies in the BCF’s adherence to safety protocols during events, particularly regarding drug testing that was reportedly overlooked for fighters on the night when Haider competed.

This incident has ignited widespread discussions about the safety of boxers, with calls from Singh and others in the community for more stringent safety measures and ethical conduct among boxing officials. The Boxing Commission of Fiji, which has paused public statements amid an ongoing inquiry into Haider’s death, has faced scrutiny regarding operational practices and the protection of athletes in the sport.

Reflecting on this tragic event, there is a collective hope within the boxing community that the ongoing inquiry will bring about significant safety reforms and increased accountability, ensuring the well-being of fighters in the future. As the investigation unfolds, it is expected that this situation may catalyze improved measures that prioritize the health and safety of athletes, enhancing the integrity of the sport moving forward.