A former commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ Land Force is part of a three-member team assigned to investigate a boxing incident that occurred at Prince Charles Park in Nadi last Saturday. Pita Driti is joined by Philip Heneriko, the director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and Adi Narayan, chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF), in this inquiry.
Narayan announced during a press conference in Suva that the investigation has a deadline of 30 days. The team received a Term of Reference (TOR), which was approved following consultations with the Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, who is currently abroad.
The investigation stems from the critical condition of featherweight boxer Umbayd Haider, who underwent brain surgery at Lautoka Hospital after collapsing in the ring following a technical knockout loss to Australia’s Runqi Zhou for the IBO Asia Pacific title.
According to Narayan, both the fight and the fighters were sanctioned by the International Boxing Organisation (IBO) and the BCF. Key personnel involved in the match, including the IBO fight commissioner and the referee, will also undergo interviews as part of the investigation. Furthermore, the roles of the promoters and cornermen will be scrutinized, especially focusing on whether the cornermen were licensed to be present in the ring.
The inquiry will also examine why post-fight drug tests for the boxers were not administered, raising important safety and regulatory concerns that need to be addressed in the sport.
As the investigation unfolds, it holds the potential to not only shed light on the incident but also to enhance safety protocols in boxing, aiming to prevent future occurrences and protect the athletes involved. This proactive approach demonstrates an ongoing commitment to athlete safety and the integrity of the sport.
In summary, a thorough investigation is underway to ensure accountability and improve safety measures in the boxing community following a serious incident that occurred during a sanctioned fight.
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