The investigation into the death of featherweight boxer Ubayd Haider is progressing, with the team having completed interviews with all local participants in the fight. Jese Saukuru, the Minister of Youth and Sports, confirmed that the focus now shifts to interviewing six individuals based overseas. The objective is to conclude this phase of the investigation within the week.
The remaining individuals to be interviewed include key figures in the boxing community such as Mohammed Shameem, the director of South Pacific Boxing Promotions, promoter Fred Chand, IBO Fight Commissioner Justin Kennedy, referee Ignatuis Missailidis, and other experts from abroad.
Haider tragically collapsed after losing to Sydney’s Runqi Zhou via technical knockout during a championship bout for the IBO Asia Pacific super featherweight title on October 26. Following the incident, he was hospitalized and underwent surgery due to severe head injuries but sadly did not recover, passing away on November 10. He was interred on November 12 at Raralevu Cemetery in Tailevu. This incident marks the fourth death of a Fijian boxer attributed to head injuries from a match, with a concerning history of similar tragedies in the sport.
Minister Saukuru reiterated the importance of prioritizing athlete welfare, especially in light of public concerns regarding why the fight continued for as long as it did. In a prior discussion, Adi Narayan, chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji, highlighted that the authority to stop a fight rests only with the referee and the boxer’s corner.
The Minister emphasized that the upcoming findings and recommendations from the investigation will be available soon, as there is a pressing need for clarity on how such incidents can be prevented in the future. Saukuru also noted that the investigation could potentially uncover any criminal offenses related to Haider’s death, ensuring that all aspects are thoroughly examined before a final report is submitted.
This investigation serves as a crucial opportunity to enhance safety protocols within the sport, aiming to protect the lives and health of athletes. The hope is that lessons learned will lead to more stringent measures and prevent such tragedies from occurring again, fostering a safer environment for boxers in the future.
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