Boxer Saimoni Ratu has arrived in Labasa with a clear goal in mind: to claim the vacant Fiji lightweight title and advance his boxing career. In an interview, the powerful boxer from Serea, Naitasiri, expressed that he would retire from the sport if he fails to defeat Umbayd Haider in their title bout scheduled for tomorrow at Labasa’s Subrail Park.
“I’m in a do-or-die situation,” Ratu stated. He shared that he has been involved in boxing since he was 14 years old and began representing Fiji at the age of 16. “I could have done it earlier, but I was still underage at that time,” he added.
Ratu emphasized his love for boxing but made it clear that a loss to Haider would lead him to retire, while victory would motivate him to continue fighting. He expressed his confidence in securing a win.
Coming from a family with a rich boxing legacy, Ratu’s older brothers—Joeli Naleca, Waisele Ratu, and Opeti Tagi—have all held Fiji titles in their respective weight classes. He acknowledged the support of his father, Saula Naicori, who has been training him despite his health challenges and accompanied him to Labasa.
Ratu expressed his gratitude to South Pacific Boxing Promotions director Mohammed Shaheem and promoter Fred Chand for providing him with this opportunity and their support throughout his training.
Haider, Ratu’s opponent, recently claimed the Fiji super featherweight title after stopping Krishnil Mudaliar in the eighth round last July. Ratu previously made headlines by knocking out Mudaliar in the first round.
The fight will be contested at a weight of 61 kilos, and Ratu has assured he has no issues making weight for the weigh-in, which is set for today at 2 PM at the Pacific Energy Service Station in Labasa.