Boxer Saimoni Ratu arrived in Labasa yesterday with a clear goal: to claim the vacant Fiji lightweight title and advance his boxing career.
In an interview with SUNsports, the power-punching fighter from Serea in Naitasiri expressed that losing to Umbayd Haider in their title bout at Labasa’s Subrail Park tomorrow would lead him to retire from the sport.
“I’m in a do-or-die situation,” Ratu stated.
Having begun his boxing journey at the age of 14 and represented Fiji at 16, he emphasized his deep-rooted love for the sport. “I could have started earlier, but I was too young at that time,” he shared. “If I lose to Haider, then I’m retiring, but if I win, I’ll continue. I’m aiming for a victory and feel confident about it.”
Ratu hails from a boxing lineage, with his older brothers Joeli Naleca, Waisele Ratu, and Opeti Tagi all having held Fiji titles in their weight classes.
“My father, who has been my trainer, Saula Naicori, accompanied me to Labasa. Despite his illness, he has been training me for the last month. I am grateful to have him by my side,” Ratu stated.
He also expressed gratitude to Mohammed Shaheem, the director of South Pacific Boxing Promotions, and promoter Fred Chand for providing him with this opportunity and supporting him during his training.
Haider claimed the Fiji super featherweight title after stopping Krishnil Mudaliar in the eighth round in July. In a surprising turn last year, Ratu knocked out Mudaliar in the first round.
“We’ll be fighting at 61 kilos against Haider, and I am confident in making the weight at the weigh-in. My fitness is strong and will be my main advantage in the ring,” he added.
The official weigh-in is scheduled for today at Pacific Energy Service Station, opposite Meenoos Labasa, at 2 PM.