Boxer Saimoni Ratu arrived in Labasa yesterday with a clear objective: to win the vacant Fiji lightweight title and advance his boxing career. In an interview with SUNsports, the hard-hitting fighter from Serea, Naitasiri, expressed that he would retire from the sport if he loses to Umbayd Haider in their title bout at Labasa’s Subrail Park tomorrow.
“I’m in a do-or-die situation,” Ratu stated. He shared his long history with boxing, having started as an amateur at 14 and representing Fiji at 16, though he could have begun sooner due to age restrictions.
“I have a deep love for the sport, but if I lose to Haider, I will retire. However, if I win, I will continue to fight. I’m aiming for a victory, and I feel confident about it,” he said.
Ratu comes from a family with a strong boxing legacy; his older brothers, Joeli Naleca, Waisele Ratu, and Opeti Tagi, have all held Fiji titles in their respective weight classes. He acknowledged his father, Saula Naicori, who, despite health challenges, has trained him for the past month and traveled with him to Labasa.
“I’m thankful to South Pacific Boxing Promotions director Mohammed Shaheem and promoter Fred Chand for providing me this opportunity and supporting me throughout my training,” Ratu added.
Haider previously claimed the Fiji super featherweight title by stopping Krishnil Mudaliar in the eighth round in July. Ratu made headlines last year when he knocked out Mudaliar in the first round.
“We’re set to fight at 61 kilograms against Haider, and I’ve had no issues making weight for the weigh-in. I’ve focused on my fitness, which I believe will be my advantage in the ring,” Ratu stated.
The official weigh-in for the fight is scheduled for today at Pacific Energy Service Station, opposite Meenoos Labasa, at 2 PM.