The family of the late boxer Ubayd Haider is exploring various legal avenues following his tragic passing after a match on October 26, 2023. Their attorney, Avinesh Reddy, revealed this during a press conference in Suva. One potential action includes pursuing legal claims against the International Boxing Organisation (IBO) for alleged negligence, specifically citing the absence of drug testing and the lack of adequate safety protocols that may have contributed to Haider’s death.

Haider suffered a ninth-round technical knockout against Australia’s Runqi Zhou during the IBO Asia Pacific super featherweight title fight and collapsed shortly thereafter. He was taken for immediate medical care but never regained consciousness, passing away on November 10 after multiple surgeries.

Reddy criticized recent comments made by Adi Narayan, the chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji, who suggested that Haider’s family bore some responsibility for the incident. Reddy argued that such a statement is close to defamation and emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “A life has been lost, and we want somebody to take responsibility.”

This inquiry follows the ongoing investigation into Haider’s death, which has already prompted significant scrutiny surrounding safety measures in boxing matches. The Boxing Commission of Fiji has been conducting interviews with local referees and Haider’s family, while still awaiting statements from involved promoters and financial backers of the event. The unfortunate incident highlights the pressing issue of athlete safety in combat sports, particularly as Haider is the fourth Fijian boxer to die from injuries sustained in the ring.

Community support and calls for enhanced safety regulations are growing as the boxing world processes this tragedy. There is hope that the ongoing inquiries will lead to vital changes in protocols that safeguard the health and safety of boxers, ultimately ensuring a safer environment for future competitors.

In summary, while this situation is heartbreaking, it serves as an opportunity for the boxing community to advocate for stricter safety measures, potentially preventing similar tragedies in the future and prioritizing the well-being of athletes above all else.