Boxer Saimoni Ratu arrived in Labasa yesterday with a clear objective: to claim the vacant Fiji lightweight title and further his boxing career.
In an interview with SUNsports, the powerful Serea native from Naitasiri expressed that a loss to Umbayd Haider in their title bout at Labasa’s Subrail Park tomorrow would lead him to retire from the sport.
“I’m in a do-or-die situation,” Ratu stated.
He reminisced about his boxing journey, which began at the age of 14 as an amateur. By 16, he had already represented Fiji, although he noted that he could have done so even earlier had he not been underage.
“I have a passion for the sport, but if I lose to Haider, I will retire. If I win, I will continue fighting. I’m determined to win and I feel confident,” he added.
Ratu comes from a boxing lineage; his older brothers Joeli Naleca, Waisele Ratu, and Opeti Tagi have all held Fiji titles in different weight classes.
“Our dad, Saula Naicori, who has been our trainer, accompanied me to Labasa. Despite his health challenges, he has been training me for the past month. I’m fortunate to have him by my side,” Ratu shared.
He expressed gratitude to South Pacific Boxing Promotions director Mohammed Shaheem and promoter Fred Chand for providing him with this opportunity and for their support during his training.
Haider secured the Fiji super featherweight title by stopping Krishnil Mudaliar in the eighth round in July, while Ratu stunned the boxing community last year by knocking out Mudaliar in the first round.
“We’re set to fight at 61 kilos against Haider, and I have no issues making weight. My fitness will serve as my asset in the ring,” he said.
The official weigh-in is scheduled for today at Pacific Energy Service Station (opposite Meenoos Labasa) at 2 PM.