Boxer Saimoni Ratu arrived in Labasa yesterday with the determination to win the vacant Fiji lightweight title, which could impact the future of his boxing career. In an interview with SUNsports, the powerful fighter from Serea, Naitasiri, stated that a loss to 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 remarked.
Having dedicated his life to boxing, Ratu began his journey at the age of 14 and went on to represent Fiji at just 16 years old. He reflected, “I could have started earlier, but I was underage at that time.”
Ratu expressed his commitment to winning, saying, “I love the sport, but if I lose to Haider, then I’m retiring. If I win, I’ll continue fighting. I’m aiming for a win and I’m confident about it.”
Coming from a family of boxers, Ratu’s older brothers, Joeli Naleca, Waisele Ratu, and Opeti Tagi, are all former Fiji title holders in their respective weight classes. He credited his father, Saula Naicori, who has been training him for the past month despite health issues, for his support.
“I’m grateful to South Pacific Boxing Promotions director Mohammed Shaheem and promoter Fred Chand for providing me this opportunity and for their support during my training,” he added.
Haider recently won the Fiji super featherweight title by stopping Krishnil Mudaliar in the eighth round in July. Conversely, Ratu made headlines last year when he knocked out Mudaliar in the first round.
“We’re fighting at 61 kilos, and I’m confident about making weight at the weigh-in. I’ve focused on my fitness, which I believe will be my asset in the ring,” Ratu noted.
The official weigh-in is set to take place today at Pacific Energy Service Station, located opposite Meenoos Labasa, at 2 PM.