Veteran boxing trainer Lepani Wilson has urged the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) to refrain from making public statements while the investigation into the recent tragic death of boxer Ubayd Haider is still underway. His comments follow a press conference held by BCF chairman Adi Narayan and board member Eroni Loganimoce, where they discussed the suspension of South Pacific Boxing Promotions (SPBP), linked to promoter Fred Chand’s controversial social media remarks.
Wilson expressed his concern, emphasizing the need for respect during this difficult time as a family is grieving the loss of their loved one. He stressed that matters of life and death should be treated with seriousness and maturity, advising against public speculation that could worsen the situation.
Drawing from his own experience in the 1990s, when he faced a similar tragedy with the death of boxer Filimoni Takayawa, Wilson reflected on how collaboration among boxing bodies, promoters, legal authorities, and government representatives was essential in addressing such tragic occurrences. He noted the importance of implementing safety measures to protect fighters, highlighting that blame should not be directed solely at one individual or party but should be seen as a collective responsibility among all involved stakeholders.
Wilson’s insights underscore the necessity of learning from past mistakes to prevent future tragedies in the sport. With a focus on accountability and safety reforms, there is hope that the boxing community can emerge more united and committed to safeguarding the lives and well-being of its athletes.
By nurturing a supportive environment and emphasizing collective responsibility, the boxing community can work towards ensuring that the sportsmanship ethos prevails while prioritizing the safety of all participants.
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