Boxer Saimoni Ratu arrived in Labasa with a goal to secure the vacant Fiji lightweight title and advance his boxing career. In an interview, the determined Serea native from Naitasiri stated that he would retire from the sport if he loses to Umbayd Haider in their title match at Subrail Park in Labasa.
“I’m in a do-or-die situation,” Ratu expressed. He shared his journey in boxing, which started when he was 14 years old, leading to his representation of Fiji at the age of 16.
“I love the sport, but if I lose to Haider then I’m retiring; if I win, I’ll continue fighting. I’m going for a win, and I’m confident about it,” he added. Ratu comes from a boxing family with his older brothers, Joeli Naleca, Waisele Ratu, and Opeti Tagi, all having held titles in their respective divisions.
His father, Saula Naicori, has been his trainer despite facing health challenges and accompanied him to Labasa. Ratu expressed gratitude to South Pacific Boxing Promotions director Mohammed Shaheem and promoter Fred Chand for their support throughout his training and for providing him with this opportunity.
Haider previously claimed the Fiji super featherweight title by stopping Krishnil Mudaliar in the eighth round and Ratu made headlines last year when he knocked out Mudaliar in the first round.
“We’re competing in the 61-kilo category against Haider, and I have no issues making the weight. I’ve improved my fitness, which I believe will be my strength in the ring,” Ratu noted. The official weigh-in is scheduled for today at the Pacific Energy Service Station in Labasa at 2 PM.