Hundreds of mourners gathered at FMF Gymnasium in Suva yesterday to pay their respects to Ubayd Haider, Fiji’s super featherweight and lightweight boxing champion, who passed away recently. The attendees included notable figures such as Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Lenora Qereqeretabua, and the chief executive officer of the Fiji Football Association, Mohammed Yusuf, among others.
Haider, previously known as Nathan Singh, died late Sunday night after spending over two weeks in the Intensive Care Unit at Lautoka Aspen Hospital. His health deteriorated after he collapsed while heading to the changing room following his technical knockout (TKO) loss against Runqi Zhou in an International Boxing Association (IBO) Asia Pacific Super Featherweight title match on October 26.
Mohammed Shameem, a director at South Pacific Boxing Promotions, expressed condolences from Canada, recalling Haider’s kindness and remarkable contributions to boxing in Fiji. He emphasized the impact of Haider’s legacy, urging everyone to honor the lessons he imparted.
Sebastian Singh, Haider’s older brother and cruiser-weight fighter, reflected on the immense support they received during this challenging time. He recounted that, despite feeling unwell just days before the fight, Haider was determined to compete. Sebastian suggested that his brother had been pressured to participate in the match despite his condition.
Former rugby star Sonny Bill Williams also conveyed his condolences from Sydney, highlighting the significant loss Haider’s death represents for Fijian boxing. Additionally, trainer John Ramos, now based in Vancouver, shared his sympathies with the family.
Minister Saukuru assured the Singh family that a commission of inquiry would be launched to investigate the circumstances surrounding Haider’s passing, emphasizing the government’s commitment to uncovering the truth.
Haider was laid to rest at Raralevu Cemetery in Tailevu, leaving behind a legacy of strength and resilience in the boxing community.
This poignant gathering not only highlights the profound loss felt by the boxing community in Fiji but also serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting athletes’ health and well-being in competitive sports. The commitment to investigate and learn from this tragedy paves the way for future improvements in athlete care, ensuring that the legacy of Ubayd Haider will continue to inspire positive change in the sport.
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