Boxer Saimoni Ratu arrived in Labasa yesterday, focused on securing the vacant Fiji lightweight title and advancing his boxing career.
In an interview with SUNsports, the talented fighter from Serea, Naitasiri, expressed the gravity of his upcoming match against Umbayd Haider at Labasa’s Subrail Park tomorrow. Ratu stated that a loss would lead to his retirement from the sport.
“I’m in a do-or-die situation,” Ratu remarked. “I’ve been involved in boxing my whole life, starting as an amateur at 14 and representing Fiji by 16. I could have pursued it earlier, but I was underage at the time.”
Ratu emphasized his love for boxing, declaring that a victory over Haider would motivate him to continue fighting, while a defeat would mark the end of his career. “I’m going for a win, and I’m confident about it,” he noted.
Hailing from a family with a rich boxing legacy, Ratu’s older brothers, Joeli Naleca, Waisele Ratu, and Opeti Tagi, have all held Fiji titles in their respective categories. He expressed profound gratitude for his father, Saula Naicori, who has been his trainer. Despite health challenges, his father journeyed with him to Labasa and dedicated the past month to training him.
Ratu also thanked Mohammed Shaheem, director of South Pacific Boxing Promotions, and promoter Fred Chand for their support and for providing him another chance in the ring.
Haider, his opponent, previously defeated Krishnil Mudaliar in the eighth round to claim the Fiji super featherweight title. Ratu had previously made headlines by knocking out Mudaliar in the first round last year.
“We’re fighting at 61 kilos against Haider, and I have no issues making weight for the weigh-in. I’ve focused on my fitness, which I believe will be a crucial advantage in the ring,” he added.
The official weigh-in is scheduled for today at the Pacific Energy Service Station in Labasa at 2 PM.