Plans are underway to establish a boxing gym in Labasa aimed at rejuvenating both amateur and professional boxing in Vanua Levu. This initiative was highlighted by Samuela Ligairi, the special administrator of the Labasa Town Council (LTC), during an interview with SUNsports last Saturday.
Ligairi’s attendance at the South Pacific Boxing Promotion event at Subrail Park marked the return of professional boxing to Labasa after a nine-year hiatus. He shared that the LTC is committed to reviving the sport through this development project, with a location near the botanical garden at Lions Park already identified.
Construction is set to begin soon, with potential funding support from the Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Boxing Commission of Fiji. The facility will include a boxing ring for training and will be a fully equipped gym.
Ligairi emphasized the need for a larger space, as the current Nasekula Gym is too small. Collaborative discussions between the LTC and Macuata Rugby Union (MRU) aim to create a more expansive gym in town. The MRU previously assisted in developing the Nasekula gym with equipment donated by the Silktails Rugby League Club. The LTC has also reached out to various non-governmental organizations for additional support.
Ligairi believes that the proposed gym will not only enhance the LTC’s financial standing but also motivate individuals to engage in the sport and unlock their potential. He noted that hosting significant sporting events, such as the Digicel Fiji FACT football tournament and the Fiji Secondary Schools rugby competition, has revitalized the community in Vanua Levu.
“This is a holistic approach, benefiting not just the council but also the local economy. Local hoteliers, taxi operators, market vendors, and restaurants will share in the economic benefits,” he remarked.