A new boxing gym is set to be established in Labasa, aimed at revitalizing amateur and professional boxing in Vanua Levu. This announcement was made by Samuela Ligairi, the special administrator of the Labasa Town Council, during an interview with SUNsports last Saturday.
Ligairi participated in the South Pacific Boxing Promotion event held at Subrail Park, marking the return of professional boxing to Labasa after a nine-year hiatus. He expressed that the Labasa Town Council aims to reinvigorate the sport through this new development.
The chosen location for the gym is in close proximity to the botanical garden at Lions Park. Ligairi noted that initial construction is poised to commence soon, with potential funding support from the Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Boxing Commission of Fiji. He mentioned that the facility will include a boxing ring for training and will be a fully outfitted gym.
Due to space constraints at the Nasekula Gym, Ligairi highlighted the importance of opening a larger gym to accommodate more sports enthusiasts. The Labasa Town Council has engaged in discussions with the Macuata Rugby Union (MRU) to facilitate the construction of this bigger gym, building on the MRU’s previous efforts in developing the Nasekula facility, which received equipment donations from the Silktails Rugby League Club. The LTC has also reached out to various Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) for support in this venture.
Ligairi indicated that the proposed gym would not only support local sports but also enhance the financial situation of the Labasa Town Council. He believes that this initiative will inspire more individuals to participate in boxing and discover their talents.
He also remarked that hosting significant sporting events, such as the Digicel Fiji FACT football tournament, the Vodafone Deans Trophy for Fiji Secondary Schools rugby, and boxing promotions, has invigorated the community in Vanua Levu. Ligairi noted, “It is a holistic approach, not just for the council to benefit, but also for the local economy, as hoteliers, taxi operators, market vendors, and restaurants stand to gain from the influx of visitors.”