A recent incident at Nadi’s Prince Charles Park has prompted an investigation involving a former commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ Land Force, Pita Driti. He is part of a three-member team that also includes Philip Heneriko, director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and Adi Narayan, chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF). The team has been assigned to conduct interviews with all stakeholders involved in the boxing match that led to serious health consequences for a fighter.
The investigation comes after featherweight boxer Umbayd Haider suffered critical injuries following his loss to Australia’s Runqi Zhou for the International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Asia Pacific title. Haider collapsed in the ring and subsequently required head surgery at Lautoka Hospital.
Narayan announced at a press conference that the team has been given 30 days to complete the investigation and has received the Terms of Reference (TOR) for their inquiry, approved by the Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, who is currently out of the country. The investigation will encompass interviews with the fight’s ring supervisor, referee, judges, as well as representatives from the BCF and the fight promoter. The team will also assess whether the cornermen were licensed appropriately and investigate the failure to conduct post-fight drug tests on the boxers.
This thorough examination seeks to bring accountability and ensure the safety and integrity of boxing matches in Fiji, reinforcing the importance of stringent oversight in combat sports to protect participants’ well-being.
In summary, this investigation represents a concerted effort to address serious concerns in the boxing community while striving to enhance safety standards, ultimately working towards a safer environment for athletes. The outcome of this inquiry could serve as a crucial turning point for improving regulations in the sport.
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