Veteran trainer Lepani Wilson has urged the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) to refrain from making public statements while the investigation into Ubayd Haider’s tragic death is ongoing. His comments come in response to a BCF press conference held last Friday, which featured chairman Adi Narayan and board member Eroni Loganimoce discussing the suspension of the South Pacific Boxing Promotions (SPBP) license. This suspension was reportedly linked to promoter Fred Chand’s controversial remarks on social media.
Wilson emphasized the need for respect during this sensitive period, stating, “This is a serious issue where life matters. In situations like this, they should exercise a lot of maturity because we’ve got a family grieving over the death of their loved one.” He recalled a similar incident in the 1990s involving the death of boxer Filimoni Takayawa, asserting that collaboration among the boxing organization, promoter, legal, and government representatives was necessary to prevent future tragedies.
He stressed that blame should not fall solely on one individual or entity, noting that multiple parties share responsibility for ensuring the safety of boxers. According to Wilson, it is crucial to enforce stricter regulations and improve safety measures to prevent such incidents from occurring again.
This call for thoughtful discourse and collaboration highlights the community’s commitment to boxer safety and emotional support during difficult times. While the circumstances are indeed upsetting, Wilson’s insistence on collective accountability inspires hope for systemic improvements within the sport. The focus is now on fostering a safer environment for all athletes involved in boxing.
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