Plans are underway to establish a boxing gym in Labasa, aimed at revitalizing both amateur and professional boxing on Vanua Levu. This initiative was highlighted by Samuela Ligairi, the special administrator of Labasa Town Council, during an interview with SUNsports last Saturday, following his attendance at the South Pacific Boxing Promotion event at Subrail Park.
Professional boxing has made a return to Labasa after a nine-year hiatus, and Ligairi expressed that the council intends to support the sport through this new project. The identified location for the gym is near the botanical garden at Lions Park. Initial construction work is set to commence soon, with anticipated funding from the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Boxing Commission of Fiji.
The planned facility will feature a boxing ring for training as well as a fully outfitted gym. Ligairi noted that the smaller size of the existing Nasekula Gym has prompted the LTC to pursue this new space, which will accommodate a greater number of sports enthusiasts.
Furthermore, discussions between the LTC and the Macuata Rugby Union (MRU) are focused on developing a larger gym in the area. The MRU previously collaborated in constructing the Nasekula gym, providing equipment through a donation from the Silktails Rugby League Club. The LTC is also reaching out to other non-governmental organizations for additional support in this development.
Ligairi emphasized that the proposed gym would not only enhance the finances of the LTC but also inspire individuals to engage in boxing and discover their potential. He noted that hosting major sporting events such as the Digicel Fiji FACT football tournament, the Fiji Secondary Schools rugby competition, and boxing promotions has revitalized the community in Vanua Levu.
“This is a holistic approach that benefits not just the council but the local economy, with hoteliers, taxi operators, market vendors, and restaurants all sharing in the economic upswing,” Ligairi concluded.