Plans are underway to establish a boxing gym in Labasa with the aim of revitalizing both amateur and professional boxing in Vanua Levu. This announcement was made by Samuela Ligairi, the special administrator of the Labasa Town Council, during an interview with SUNsports last Saturday, following his participation in the South Pacific Boxing Promotion program at Subrail Park.
After a nine-year hiatus, professional boxing has made a return to Labasa, and Ligairi expressed the council’s intentions to support the sport’s revival through this new development. A site has been chosen near the botanical garden at Lions Park for the gym’s construction, which is expected to commence soon. The project aligns with potential financial backing from the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Boxing Commission of Fiji.
Ligairi emphasized that the gym will feature a boxing ring for training and will be fully equipped. He noted that the current Nasekula Gym lacks adequate space, prompting the need for a larger facility to accommodate more training enthusiasts.
Additionally, discussions between the Labasa Town Council and the Macuata Rugby Union aim to facilitate the development of a bigger gym in the area. The MRU previously aided in creating the gym at Nasekula with equipment sourced from the Silktails Rugby League Club. The council is also reaching out to other non-governmental organizations to garner support for the project.
This proposed development is anticipated to enhance the financial capacity of the Labasa Town Council and promote interest in the sport among locals, enabling them to discover their potential. Ligairi remarked that hosting major sporting events like the Digicel Fiji FACT football tournament, the Fiji Secondary Schools rugby competition (Vodafone Deans Trophy), and boxing promotions has revitalized the local community in Vanua Levu.
He added, “It is a holistic approach, not just for the council to benefit, but for the local economy where hoteliers, taxi operators, market vendors, and restaurants will all share in the profits.”