Boxer Saimoni Ratu arrived in Labasa yesterday with the ambition of winning the vacant Fiji lightweight title, a crucial step in advancing his boxing career. In an interview with SUNsports, the powerful Serea native from Naitasiri expressed that he would retire from boxing if he were to lose against Umbayd Haider in their title match scheduled for tomorrow at Labasa’s Subrail Park.
“I’m in a do-or-die situation,” Ratu stated resolutely. He shared his lifelong commitment to boxing, having begun his journey as an amateur at 14, and representing Fiji at the age of 16. “I could have started sooner, but I was still underage,” he noted.
Ratu conveyed his passion for the sport but added, “If I lose to Haider, then I’m retiring, but if I win, I’ll continue fighting. I’m aiming for a win, and I feel confident about it.”
Coming from a family with a strong boxing heritage, Ratu’s older brothers Joeli Naleca, Waisele Ratu, and Opeti Tagi have all been title holders in their respective divisions. He credited his father, Saula Naicori, who has been his trainer and accompanied him to Labasa despite his health challenges. “I’m blessed to be here with my dad,” Ratu said.
He expressed appreciation to South Pacific Boxing Promotions director Mohammed Shaheem and promoter Fred Chand for providing him with this opportunity and for their support throughout his training.
Haider won the Fiji super featherweight title by stopping Krishnil Mudaliar in the eighth round last July. In a surprising turn of events last year, Ratu defeated Mudaliar in the first round.
“We’re fighting at 61 kilos against Haider, and I’ve no issues making the weight for the weigh-in. I’ve focused on my fitness, which should give me an edge in the ring,” he mentioned.
The official weigh-in will take place today at the Pacific Energy Service Station, located opposite Meenoos Labasa, at 2 PM.