Plans are underway to establish a boxing gym in Labasa aimed at revitalizing both amateur and professional boxing in Vanua Levu. This initiative was outlined by Samuela Ligairi, the special administrator of the Labasa Town Council (LTC), during an interview with SUNsports last Saturday.
Ligairi highlighted his attendance at the South Pacific Boxing Promotion program at Subrail Park, marking the return of professional boxing to Labasa after a nine-year hiatus. He expressed that the LTC is committed to reviving the sport through the development of a new boxing gym.
The proposed location for the gym is near the botanical garden at Lions Park. Ligairi indicated that construction work would commence soon, with potential funding support from the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Boxing Commission of Fiji. The facility will feature a boxing ring for training and will be fully equipped.
Ligairi noted that the LTC aims to address space limitations at the Nasekula Gym by creating a larger gym that accommodates more sports enthusiasts. Collaborations are ongoing between the LTC and the Macuata Rugby Union (MRU) to facilitate the gym’s development in the town. The MRU previously contributed to the gym at Nasekula by providing equipment donated by the Silktails Rugby League Club. The LTC has also called on other non-governmental organizations to support this endeavor.
Ligairi believes the development will enhance the LTC’s financial standing and draw more individuals to the sport, helping them tap into their potential. He remarked that hosting major sporting events such as the Digicel Fiji FACT football tournament, Fiji Secondary Schools rugby competition, and boxing promotions has revitalized the community in Vanua Levu. He emphasized that this initiative will not only benefit the council but also support the local economy, positively affecting hoteliers, taxi operators, market vendors, and restaurants.