Hundreds of mourners came together at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva to pay tribute to Ubayd Haider, Fiji’s super featherweight and lightweight boxing champion, who sadly passed away recently. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures such as Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru and Deputy Speaker of Parliament Lenora Qereqeretabua, along with many members of the boxing community and friends, family, and supporters.
Haider, formerly known as Nathan Singh, died after spending over two weeks in the Intensive Care Unit at Lautoka Aspen Hospital. He collapsed following a fight on October 26, where he suffered a technical knockout against Australia-based Chinese fighter Runqi Zhou in an International Boxing Association Asia Pacific Super Featherweight title matchup.
The emotional gathering featured heartfelt tributes, including condolences from SPBP director Mohammed Shameem, who highlighted Haider’s kindness and the significant impact he had on the boxing community in Fiji. Haider’s brother, Sebastian Singh, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support their family has received and revealed that Haider had been unwell prior to the fight, indicating that he was urged to compete against his better judgment.
Among the condolences received was a message from former sports icon Sonny Bill Williams, who recognized the loss Haider’s passing represents to Fiji’s boxing landscape. Boxing promoter Mohammed Iliyas shared that both he and Williams were present with Haider’s family during his final moments at the hospital, underscoring the strong connections within the boxing fraternity.
Minister Saukuru promised that a thorough inquiry would be initiated to uncover the circumstances surrounding Haider’s tragic passing. After the service, Haider was laid to rest at Raralevu Cemetery in Tailevu, marking the end of a remarkable life that inspired many within the realm of sports.
This poignant moment serves as a reminder of Haider’s lasting legacy in Fiji’s sports community. His contributions will not be forgotten as friends and family vow to carry his spirit and lessons with them in their future endeavors. In the face of loss, there lies hope as the boxing community unites to ensure such incidents lead to improvements in athlete safety and welfare, preserving Haider’s memory and the values he embodied.
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