Boxer Saimoni Ratu arrived in Labasa yesterday with the goal of claiming the vacant Fiji lightweight title and advancing his boxing career. In a conversation with SUNsports, the determined fighter from Serea in Naitasiri expressed that he would consider retiring from boxing if he loses to Umbayd Haider in their title match at Subrail Park tomorrow.
“I’m in a do-or-die situation,” Ratu stated confidently. “I’ve dedicated my life to boxing. I started as an amateur at 14 and represented Fiji by the age of 16. I could have done it even earlier, but I was underage then.”
Ratu expressed his deep love for the sport, emphasizing that a loss to Haider would lead him to retire, while a victory would motivate him to continue fighting. “I’m aiming for a win, and I’m confident about it.”
Coming from a boxing lineage, Ratu’s older brothers—Joeli Naleca, Waisele Ratu, and Opeti Tagi—all held Fiji titles in their weight classes. He noted that his father, Saula Naicori, who has been his trainer, has accompanied him to Labasa despite his health issues and has been a crucial part of his training for the past month.
Ratu expressed gratitude towards South Pacific Boxing Promotions director Mohammed Shaheem and promoter Fred Chand for providing him with another opportunity, along with their support during his training.
Haider previously secured the Fiji super featherweight title by stopping Krishnil Mudaliar in the eighth round in July. In contrast, Ratu made waves in the boxing community last year when he knocked out Mudaliar in the first round.
“We’re set to fight at 61 kilos against Haider, and I have no issues making the weight at weigh-in. My fitness training will be my key advantage in the ring,” he added.
The official weigh-in is scheduled for today at Pacific Energy Service Station, located opposite Meenoos Labasa, at 2 PM.