Veteran trainer Lepani Wilson has urged the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) to refrain from making public comments while the investigation into Ubayd Haider’s death is underway. His remarks followed a press conference held last Friday by BCF chairman Adi Narayan and board member Eroni Loganimoce, where they announced the suspension of the South Pacific Boxing Promotions (SPBP) license, attributing it to promoter Fred Chand’s provocative social media statements.
Wilson emphasized the seriousness of the situation, pointing out that a family is mourning the loss of their loved one. He expressed the need for respect during the ongoing investigation, stating, “This is sad because we’ve got the investigation going on and we should respect it.” He noted that mature handling of such matters is crucial, given the implications for those affected by the tragedy.
Drawing from his experience in the 1990s with the death of boxer Filimoni Takayawa while serving as president of the Professional Boxing Wrestling Association (PBWA), Wilson highlighted the importance of collaboration among boxing authorities, promoters, and legal representatives to address safety in the sport. He recalled the extensive efforts made to resolve the issue and implement safety measures to protect boxers.
Wilson pointed out that blame cannot solely rest on the promoter, as there are shared responsibilities among all parties involved. He stressed the need for adherence to established processes and advocated for enhanced safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future. “It’s a matter of enforcing it and putting the extra bits to make it safer,” he concluded.
This situation highlights the critical issue of safety in sports and acknowledges the need for collective responsibility in ensuring the well-being of athletes. Hopefully, the ongoing investigation will lead to meaningful changes that improve safety protocols within the boxing community, allowing for a more secure environment for athletes in the future.
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