Plans are underway to establish a boxing gym in Labasa aimed at revitalizing amateur and professional boxing in Vanua Levu. Samuela Ligairi, the special administrator of Labasa Town Council, shared these details during an interview with SUNsports last Saturday, following his attendance at the South Pacific Boxing Promotion event at Subrail Park. This marks the return of professional boxing to Labasa after a nine-year absence.
Ligairi announced that the council intends to launch this project to rejuvenate the sport. The gym will be situated near the botanical garden at Lions Park. According to Ligairi, construction is set to begin soon and will be supported by potential funding from the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Boxing Commission of Fiji. The facility will include a boxing ring and be equipped as a full gym.
He noted that the current infrastructure at Nasekula Gym is limited in space, prompting the need for a larger gym that can accommodate more aspiring athletes. The Labasa Town Council has been in discussions with the Macuata Rugby Union to facilitate the development of this larger facility in the town. The MRU previously contributed to the establishment of the gym at Nasekula, equipped with donations from the Silktails Rugby League Club. Ligairi also mentioned inviting other non-governmental organizations to assist in this development.
The proposed boxing gym is expected to enhance the financial situation of the Labasa Town Council. Ligairi believes the initiative will motivate more individuals to participate in boxing and explore their potential. He added that hosting significant sporting events, such as the Digicel Fiji FACT football tournament and the Fiji Secondary Schools rugby competition, has already contributed positively to the community’s spirit in Vanua Levu.
This approach, according to Ligairi, not only benefits the council but also supports the local economy, allowing hoteliers, taxi operators, market vendors, and restaurants to share in the economic gains.