Boxer Saimoni Ratu has arrived in Labasa, determined to win the vacant Fiji lightweight title and advance his boxing career. Speaking with SUNsports, the powerful fighter from Naitasiri expressed that a loss to Umbayd Haider in their title bout at Labasa’s Subrail Park would lead him to retire from the sport.
“I’m in a do-or-die situation,” stated Ratu. “I’ve dedicated my life to boxing, starting as an amateur at 14 and representing Fiji at 16. I could have commenced earlier, but I was too young.”
Ratu emphasized his love for boxing but made it clear that a defeat would mean the end of his boxing journey, while a victory would motivate him to continue competing. He is fully focused on winning and feels confident about his chances.
Coming from a boxing family, Ratu’s older siblings, Joeli Naleca, Waisele Ratu, and Opeti Tagi, were all Fiji titleholders in various weight classes. He expressed his gratitude for his father, Saula Naicori, who has been training him for the past month despite health challenges. “I feel fortunate to have my dad here with me,” Ratu remarked.
He also thanked Mohammed Shaheem, director of South Pacific Boxing Promotions, and promoter Fred Chand for their support and for giving him another shot at a title.
Haider earned the Fiji super featherweight title by stopping Krishnil Mudaliar in the eighth round in July, while Ratu made headlines last year by knocking out Mudaliar in the first round.
“We’re competing at 61 kilos, and I have no issues making weight for the weigh-in. My fitness will be my advantage in the ring,” Ratu concluded. The official weigh-in is set for today at 2 p.m. at the Pacific Energy Service Station opposite Meenoos Labasa.