Plans are underway for the development of a boxing gym in Labasa, aimed at revitalizing both amateur and professional boxing in Vanua Levu. This information was shared by Samuela Ligairi, the special administrator of the Labasa Town Council, during an interview with SUNsports last Saturday.
Ligairi attended the South Pacific Boxing Promotion program at Subrail Park, marking the return of professional boxing to Labasa after a nine-year absence. He expressed the council’s intentions to enhance the sport through this new project.
The proposed site for the gym is located near the botanical garden at Lions Park. Ligairi indicated that construction work would commence soon, with potential funding support anticipated from the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Boxing Commission of Fiji.
The gym will feature a boxing ring for training and will be fully equipped. Due to the limited space at the existing Nasekula Gym, the LTC aims to create a larger facility to accommodate more sporting enthusiasts.
Collaborations between the LTC and the Macuata Rugby Union (MRU) are facilitating the development of this larger gym in town. The MRU has previously contributed to the establishment of the gym at Nasekula, with equipment having been donated by the Silktails Rugby League Club. The LTC has also reached out to other non-governmental organizations for support in this venture.
Ligairi believes that the proposed development will enhance LTC’s financial prospects and attract individuals interested in boxing, allowing them to discover their potential. He noted that hosting significant sporting events, such as 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.
This initiative is seen as beneficial not only for the council but also for the local economy, potentially providing profits to hoteliers, taxi operators, market vendors, and restaurants.