Two members of the Commission of Inquiry investigating the death of featherweight boxer Ubayed Haider, previously known as Nathan Singh, have resigned from their positions. The individuals stepping down are Pita Driti, former commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Land Force, and Adi Narayan, chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji. This information was confirmed by Jese Saukuru, the Minister of Youth and Sports.
Narayan explained that he excused himself from the inquiry team to ensure transparency and independence in the investigation. He mentioned that Driti’s resignation stemmed from a perceived conflict of interest. Saukuru confirmed that they are in the process of finalizing a third member for the commission. He emphasized that it is within their rights to step down, particularly for Narayan, who holds a significant position related to boxing oversight, which could affect impartiality.
The inquiry team is scheduled to convene on Friday to conduct interviews related to Haider’s tragic incident. Currently, the team includes Philip Eneriko, director for Youth and Sports, and Edwin Wainiqolo, a lawyer from Lautoka. The third member will be confirmed and announced shortly.
The circumstances surrounding Haider’s death remain poignant, as he collapsed after his fight for the IBO Asia Pacific featherweight title on October 26. Despite undergoing surgery at Lautoka Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries on November 10 and was laid to rest shortly after.
In a positive development for the sport, Narayan announced that promoters have begun renewing their licenses for upcoming boxing events next year. He noted that Bluewater Boxing Promotions is set to kick off their series of promotions, with details to be revealed in December. Promoter Samir Khan is expected to introduce his upcoming boxing event in the coming weeks, highlighting the community’s resilience and commitment to moving forward in the sport despite recent challenges.
This inquiry is crucial not only for transparency surrounding Haider’s passing but also for ensuring the future integrity of boxing in Fiji, as stakeholders seek to uphold safety and fairness in the sport.
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