The ongoing investigation into the tragic death of boxer Ubayd Haider has seen the Board of Inquiry (BOI) make significant progress, though some stakeholders have yet to be interviewed. Promoter Fredy Chand is among five individuals still pending an interview. BOI chairman Edwin Wainiqolo shared during a recent press conference that, of the 17 stakeholders involved in an October boxing promotion in Nadi, 12 have already been interviewed.
Chand has secured legal representation as the inquiry proceeds, which has contributed to delays in scheduling his interview. Wainiqolo noted that invitations have been sent to Chand and the event’s financier, and discussions are ongoing with their legal counsel to finalize a meeting time. Current plans indicate that the investigation deadline, initially set for 30 days, has been extended by one week to allow for comprehensive interviews, which aim to include all relevant parties, such as ringside doctors, judges, and others who interacted with Haider before and after the event.
The chairman emphasized the importance of gathering a broad range of testimonies, highlighting that the inquiry will not be obstructed if Chand and the others choose not to participate. In such cases, the BOI will report the findings based on the gathered evidence within the extended timeframe. The minister for sports, Jese Saukuru, will ultimately decide on the next steps based on the inquiry’s results.
Ubayd Haider suffered a tragic fate, passing away following a match in which he collapsed in the changing room on November 10 at the Lautoka Hospital after competing against China’s Runqi Zhou.
Despite the somber nature of these events, the inquiry reflects a concerted effort to ensure accountability and improve safety standards in boxing. The thoroughness of the investigation could lead to important changes within the sport, aiming to prevent such tragedies in the future and promote a safer environment for athletes.
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