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 the Labasa Town Council, discussed these plans during an interview with SUNsports last Saturday after attending the South Pacific Boxing Promotion program at Subrail Park. This marks the return of professional boxing to Labasa after a nine-year hiatus.
Ligairi stated that the council intends to revive the sport through this development project, with the chosen site located near the botanical garden at Lions Park. Construction is set to begin soon, potentially supported by funding 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 purposes and will be a fully equipped gym. Ligairi noted that the current Nasekula Gym lacks sufficient space, making the new gym essential for accommodating more sports enthusiasts.
The Labasa Town Council has engaged in discussions with the Macuata Rugby Union (MRU) to assist in developing a larger gym in the area. The MRU previously supported the establishment of the Nasekula gym, providing equipment donated by the Silktails Rugby League Club. Additionally, the council has reached out to various Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) for further support in this initiative.
According to Ligairi, the new gym is expected to enhance the council’s financial prospects while encouraging more individuals to participate in boxing and realize their potential. He emphasized that hosting significant sporting events, such as the Digicel Fiji FACT football tournament and the Fiji Secondary Schools rugby competition, has positively impacted the community in Vanua Levu.
“This is a holistic approach not only benefiting the council but also the local economy, providing profits to hoteliers, taxi operators, market vendors, and restaurants,” Ligairi added.