An investigative commission examining the death of boxer Ubayd Haider will provide an update today, as confirmed by chairman Edwin Wainiqolo. The commission is currently completing its interviews and has noted that promoter Freddy Chand has yet to be questioned.
Wainiqolo informs that the investigation has covered all local personnel associated with the bout, including referees sanctioned by the International Boxing Organisation (IBO) and Haider’s family. The promoter and the financier are the remaining individuals yet to be interviewed, and Wainiqolo indicated that they are essential to the investigation.
A formal update will be issued once all interviews are finalized, with a specific date for the final report still to be confirmed. The press conference is scheduled for today at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Nadi office at 10 a.m., where more concrete details are expected to be shared.
Haider tragically collapsed following a ninth-round TKO loss to Sydney-based boxer Runqi Zhou during the IBO Asia Pacific super featherweight title fight held at Nadi’s Prince Charles Park on October 26. After being taken to Zen’s Medical and subsequently transferred to Aspen Medical in Lautoka for head surgery due to coma, he sadly passed away on November 10. Haider was laid to rest at the Raralevu Cemetery in Tailevu on November 12 and became the fourth Fijian boxer to die from injuries incurred during a match.
This ongoing inquiry underscores the importance of safety in sports, particularly in combat sports like boxing. As the commission continues its work, there is hope that their findings will lead to enhanced safety protocols and measures that could protect athletes in the future, potentially preventing similar tragedies.
In summary, the commission is making progress in its investigation while striving to ensure the safety of future boxing events, highlighting the community’s commitment to athlete welfare amidst this tragic loss.
Leave a comment