Plans are underway to establish a boxing gym in Labasa to rejuvenate both amateur and professional boxing in Vanua Levu. This initiative was highlighted by Samuela Ligairi, the special administrator of the Labasa Town Council, during an interview with SUNsports last Saturday. Ligairi participated in the South Pacific Boxing Promotion program held at Subrail Park, marking the return of professional boxing to Labasa after a nine-year hiatus.
Ligairi explained that the Labasa Town Council intends to foster the sport’s growth through this project. The proposed location for the gym is close to the botanical garden at Lions Park. He indicated that construction on the gym would commence shortly, with potential funding 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 be fully equipped to cater to practitioners. Ligairi noted that the existing Nasekula Gym is too small, prompting the LTC’s decision to create a more spacious facility that can accommodate a greater number of training enthusiasts.
Collaborative discussions between the LTC and the Macuata Rugby Union (MRU) are ongoing to facilitate the development of a larger gym in town. The MRU contributed to the establishment of the Nasekula gym by supplying equipment donated by the Silktails Rugby League Club. The LTC has also extended invitations to various Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) to support the project.
Ligairi believes that this gym development will enhance the financial position of the LTC while encouraging more individuals to engage with the sport and explore their potential. He remarked that hosting major sporting events, such as the Digicel Fiji FACT football tournament and the Fiji Secondary Schools rugby competition, has revitalized the community in Vanua Levu. He emphasized that this initiative benefits the council and bolsters the local economy, positively impacting hoteliers, taxi operators, market vendors, and restaurants.