Plans are underway to establish a boxing gym in Labasa aimed at rejuvenating both amateur and professional boxing in Vanua Levu. This information was shared by Labasa Town Council’s special administrator, Samuela Ligairi, during an interview with SUNsports last Saturday.
Ligairi was present at the South Pacific Boxing Promotion event held at Subrail Park, marking the return of professional boxing to Labasa after a nine-year absence. He emphasized that the Labasa Town Council is committed to reviving the sport through the proposed development.
The chosen location for the new gym is near the botanical garden at Lions Park. Ligairi stated that construction will commence shortly, with potential funding support expected 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. According to Ligairi, the current Nasekula Gym lacks sufficient space, prompting the need for a larger venue to accommodate more sports enthusiasts.
Collaborations between the Labasa Town Council and the Macuata Rugby Union (MRU) are also underway to facilitate the construction of a more spacious gym in the town. The MRU had previously assisted in developing the gym at Nasekula with equipment donated by the Silktails Rugby League Club. Additionally, the LTC has invited other non-governmental organizations to support this initiative.
Ligairi believes that the new facility will enhance the financial standing of the Labasa Town Council while encouraging more individuals to engage in the sport and discover their potential. He noted that hosting major sporting events such as the Digicel Fiji FACT football tournament and the Fiji Secondary Schools rugby competition, along with boxing promotions, has revitalized the community in Vanua Levu.
“This is a holistic approach, benefiting not just the council, but also the local economy, where hoteliers, taxi operators, market vendors, and restaurants stand to gain,” he concluded.