The Commission of Inquiry (COI) has formally requested an extension from the Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, regarding the investigation into the tragic death of featherweight boxer Ubayd Haider. COI chairman Edwin Wainiqolo announced that an additional two weeks are needed to finalize the inquiry, primarily because key figures, such as South Pacific Boxing Promotions (SPBP) promoter Fred Chand and director Mohammed Shameem, have yet to be interviewed.
Shameem was initially scheduled for a 4 PM interview yesterday, but it was postponed due to the investigation team attending a meeting in Suva. Wainiqolo indicated that Shameem would now participate in the interview via Zoom on Monday. He also mentioned the logistical challenges faced by the panel members, as he resides in the West while the others are based in Suva.
To ensure progress, the COI plans to send a formal notice to Chand’s lawyer, setting a seven-day deadline for a response. If there is no reply by the end of the week, the inquiry will proceed without Chand’s input. The panel seeks consent from Minister Saukuru for the additional 14 days required to complete their investigation and submit a report.
From Vancouver, Canada, Shameem expressed his readiness to participate in the investigation but noted the rescheduling. He criticized Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) chairman Adi Narayan for allegedly blaming the SPBP for the incident surrounding Haider’s death. Despite the controversy, Shameem emphasized his extensive experience in boxing, asserting that he understands the rules and needs no legal counsel to convey his perspective.
Ubayd Haider suffered a collapse following his TKO defeat to Sydney-based boxer Runqi Zhou during the IBO Asia Pacific super featherweight title bout on October 26. He was taken to Zen’s Medical before being transferred to Lautoka’s Aspen Hospital for emergency head surgery but tragically succumbed to his injuries on November 10.
This inquiry highlights the serious concerns regarding safety protocols and regulations in boxing, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations that can lead to improved measures that protect the athletes. As the COI continues its work, there is hope that the findings will contribute to a safer environment for future sporting events in Fiji, ensuring that athletes are adequately protected during their careers.
Leave a comment