Boxer Saimoni Ratu arrived in Labasa yesterday with a clear goal: to win the vacant Fiji lightweight title and advance his boxing career.
In an interview, the determined fighter from Serea in Naitasiri expressed that a loss against Umbayd Haider in their title match at Labasa’s Subrail Park tomorrow would lead him to retire from the sport.
“I’m in a do-or-die situation,” Ratu stated. “I’ve been involved in boxing my entire life. I started out as an amateur at 14, representing Fiji by the age of 16. I could have competed even earlier, but I was too young at that time.”
Ratu highlighted his love for the sport but emphasized that losing to Haider would mean the end of his boxing journey. “If I win, I will keep fighting. I am aiming for a victory and I feel confident about it.”
Boxing runs in Ratu’s family, with his older brothers Joeli Naleca, Waisele Ratu, and Opeti Tagi all having held Fiji titles in their respective weight classes.
“Our father, Saula Naicori, who has been training me, accompanied me to Labasa. Despite his health challenges, he has worked with me for the past month. I feel blessed to have him here with me,” Ratu shared.
He expressed gratitude to South Pacific Boxing Promotions director Mohammed Shaheem and promoter Fred Chand for providing him this opportunity and their support during his training.
Haider won the Fiji super featherweight title by defeating Krishnil Mudaliar in July, while Ratu made headlines last year when he knocked out Mudaliar in the first round.
“We will be competing at 61 kilos against Haider, and I am prepared for the weigh-in. My fitness will be my greatest asset in the ring,” he stated.
The official weigh-in is scheduled for today at the Pacific Energy Service Station, opposite Meenoos Labasa, at 2 PM.