The Commission of Inquiry (COI) has formally requested an extension from the Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, to continue their investigation into the tragic death of featherweight boxer Ubayd Haider. COI chairman Edwin Wainiqolo announced that an additional two weeks are needed to conclude the inquiry, as they still have to interview key figures, including South Pacific Boxing Promotions (SPBP) promoter Fred Chand and director Mohammed Shameem.
An interview with Shameem that was supposed to take place yesterday was postponed due to a scheduling conflict with the investigation team. Wainiqolo has indicated that they plan to conduct the interview via Zoom on Monday. He explained that logistical challenges were present, as he is located in the West while the other panel members reside in Suva.
Wainiqolo also mentioned that the committee would be reaching out to Chand’s lawyer to establish a deadline for their response regarding the investigation. If there is no reply, they will proceed without Chand’s input. They are optimistic that the requested two-week extension will allow for thorough and comprehensive findings to be submitted in their final report.
From Vancouver, Canada, Shameem expressed his readiness to participate in the inquiry and criticized the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) chairman, Adi Narayan, for allegedly blaming them for the incident. He affirmed his commitment to the sport, having devoted 60 years to boxing, and declared his understanding of the rules and regulations of the sport.
Ubayd Haider suffered a tragic incident during his fight against Sydney-based boxer Runqi Zhou for the IBO Asia Pacific super featherweight title on October 26, where he collapsed after the ninth round. He was initially taken to Zen’s Medical, then transferred to Lautoka’s Aspen Hospital for surgery after slipping into a coma. Unfortunately, he passed away on November 10, which has caused much grief within the boxing community.
This extension and thorough investigation reflect a commitment to accountability and safety in boxing, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue and improvement in the sport to prevent future tragedies. The inquiry is an important step towards ensuring transparency and fostering a safer environment for athletes, demonstrating that the community values the well-being of its participants.
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