Boxer Saimoni Ratu arrived in Labasa with a clear goal: to secure the vacant Fiji lightweight title and advance his boxing career. In an interview, the powerful fighter from Serea in Naitasiri expressed that a loss to Umbayd Haider in their title match at Labasa’s Subrail Park would lead him to retire from the sport.
“I’m in a do-or-die situation,” Ratu stated. He highlighted his long history in boxing, which began at age 14, and mentioned representing Fiji by age 16. “I love the sport, but if I lose to Haider, then I’m retiring; if I win, I’ll continue fighting. I’m going for a win, and I’m confident about it,” he said.
Ratu comes from a family of boxers, with his older brothers Joeli Naleca, Waisele Ratu, and Opeti Tagi all having held Fiji titles in different weight classes. He also acknowledged the support of his father, Saula Naicori, who has been his trainer despite facing health challenges. “I’m blessed to be here with my dad,” Ratu added.
He expressed gratitude to South Pacific Boxing Promotions director Mohammed Shaheem and promoter Fred Chand for the opportunity and their support during his training. Ratu’s opponent, Haider, claimed the Fiji super featherweight title after defeating Krishnil Mudaliar in July. Ratu previously stunned the boxing community by knocking out Mudaliar in the first round last year.
“We’re fighting at 61 kilos against Haider, and I have no problem making the weight during the weigh-in. I’ve focused on my fitness, which should be my strength in the ring,” he noted. The official weigh-in is scheduled for today at the Pacific Energy Service Station in Labasa at 2 PM.