Boxer Saimoni Ratu arrived in Labasa yesterday with a clear objective: to win the vacant Fiji lightweight title and advance his boxing career.
In an interview with SUNsports, Ratu, a powerful fighter from Serea in Naitasiri, expressed that losing to Umbayd Haider in their title match at Labasa’s Subrail Park tomorrow would lead him to retire from the sport.
“I’m in a do-or-die situation,” Ratu stated. “Boxing has been my life. I began as an amateur at 14 and represented Fiji by the age of 16. Although I could have started even earlier, I was too young at that time.”
Ratu, who is determined to win, remarked, “I love boxing, but if I lose to Haider, I will retire. Winning is my goal, and I’m confident about it.”
Hailing from a family with a strong boxing legacy, Ratu’s older brothers—Joeli Naleca, Waisele Ratu, and Opeti Tagi—have all held Fiji titles in their respective weight classes.
“Our father, Saula Naicori, who has been my trainer, accompanied me to Labasa. Despite his illness, he has been training me for the past month. I feel blessed to have him here with me,” Ratu shared.
He expressed gratitude towards Mohammed Shaheem, director of South Pacific Boxing Promotions, and promoter Fred Chand for providing him with this opportunity and their support during his training.
Haider claimed the Fiji super featherweight title in July, stopping Krishnil Mudaliar in the eighth round. Ratu previously stunned the boxing community by knocking out Mudaliar in the first round last year.
“We’re competing at 61 kilograms against Haider, and I’m confident about making weight at the weigh-in. I’ve focused on my fitness, which I believe will be my strength in the ring,” he added.
The official weigh-in is scheduled for today at the Pacific Energy Service Station (opposite Meenoos Labasa) at 2 PM.