The ongoing investigation into the tragic death of boxer Ubayd Haider continues, with South Pacific Boxing promoter Fredy Chand among the five stakeholders yet to be interviewed by the Board of Inquiry (BOI). During a recent press conference, BOI chairman Edwin Wainiqolo announced that 12 out of the 17 individuals linked to the promotion event held in Nadi last October have already provided their testimonies.
Chand’s decision to seek legal representation has contributed to delays in the investigation, which was originally expected to take 30 days. Wainiqolo confirmed that invitations to interview Chand and the event’s financier have been sent out, and the inquiry board is currently in discussions with Chand’s legal team to arrange an interview time.
Due to this ongoing situation, the BOI has decided to extend the investigation deadline by one week. Wainiqolo stated that they are committed to including a diverse range of perspectives, assessing not only the promoter and financial aspects but also the involvement of ringside doctors, judges, and personnel who were present during the promotion and Haider’s subsequent medical emergency.
Haider tragically passed away on November 10 at Lautoka Hospital after collapsing in the changing room following his fight against China’s Runqi Zhou in October. Wainiqolo indicated that even if some stakeholders opt not to participate in interviews, the findings of the investigation will still be compiled and submitted to the Minister for Sports, Jese Saukuru, who will ultimately determine the next steps.
While the ongoing investigation may be filled with uncertainty, it represents a proactive approach to seeking justice and accountability. There is hope that the inquiry will yield valuable insights that can lead to improved safety measures in the sport, ensuring that such tragedies do not recur in the future.
In summary, the investigation into Ubayd Haider’s untimely death continues with efforts to ensure comprehensive interviews are conducted, reflecting a commitment to learning from this incident to enhance the safety of boxing events.
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