The investigative team looking into the tragic death of featherweight boxer Ubayd Haider has completed interviews with all local participants involved in the recent match. This update was confirmed by Jese Saukuru, the Minister of Youth and Sports, who stated that only six individuals from overseas remain to be interviewed, with the investigation expected to conclude this week.
Haider tragically collapsed after suffering a ninth-round TKO loss to Sydney’s Runqi Zhou during the IBO Asia Pacific super featherweight title bout on October 26 at Prince Charles Park in Nadi. Following the incident, he was transferred to Zen’s Medical and then to Aspen Hospital in Lautoka, where he underwent surgery, remaining in a coma until his passing on November 10. His burial took place on November 12 at Raralevu Cemetery in Tailevu.
Haider’s unfortunate death marks him as the fourth Fijian boxer to lose their life due to head injuries incurred in the ring, joining the ranks of heavyweight Semi Galoa, welterweight Waisea Tavusa, and middleweight Filimoni Takayawa.
Saukuru emphasized the importance of athlete welfare during this investigation, responding to inquiries about why the fight was not stopped earlier. In a prior exchange, Adi Narayan, chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji, noted that only the referee and the boxer’s corner are authorized to halt a match.
Looking ahead, Saukuru promised transparency and clarity regarding the investigation’s developments, mentioning that the inquiry has the capacity to identify potential criminal offenses. The public can anticipate answers following the completion of interviews this week, signaling a commitment to accountability in the sport.
As this investigation unfolds, it serves as a crucial reminder of the inherent risks in boxing, reinforcing the necessity for rigorous safety protocols and the prioritization of athletes’ health. Moving forward, this tragic incident may spark discussions that ultimately lead to improvements in boxing safety measures, ensuring that such tragedies are prevented in the future.
Comment: This situation emphasizes the continuous need for vigilance in combat sports and underscores the importance of having clear and enforceable safety standards to protect the athletes.
Summary: An investigation into boxer Ubayd Haider’s death following a recent match is nearing completion, with the local interviews finished and only a few overseas participants left to be interviewed. The Minister of Youth and Sports has highlighted the focus on athlete welfare and the potential outcomes of the investigation, which may include identifying shortcomings in safety protocols within the sport.
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