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 still ongoing. Wilson expressed his concerns following a BCF press conference last Friday led by chairman Adi Narayan and board member Eroni Loganimoce, during which they announced the suspension of South Pacific Boxing Promotions (SPBP) license, citing promoter Fred Chand’s social media comments as the reason.
Wilson emphasized the importance of respecting the ongoing investigation, highlighting that the situation is serious and involves a family grieving the loss of their loved one. He shared that he has faced similar circumstances in the past when boxer Filimoni Takayawa died during his tenure as president of the Professional Boxing Wrestling Association (PBWA). In that situation, Wilson worked collaboratively with various stakeholders, including boxing bodies and legal representatives, to create safety measures for boxers.
From his experiences, Wilson noted that accountability should not rest solely on one individual or promoter; rather, it is essential to recognize that multiple parties share the responsibility for what happened. He called for a unified approach to improve safety protocols in boxing to prevent future tragedies.
This call for cooperation and maturity in the face of tragedy could serve as an opportunity for the boxing community in Fiji to come together and foster a safer environment for all involved, ensuring that such incidents do not recur.
In summary, Lepani Wilson advocates for restraint and respect during the investigation of Ubayd Haider’s death, urging the boxing community to learn from past experiences and work collaboratively to enhance safety measures in the sport.
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