Plans are underway to establish a boxing gym in Labasa aimed at revitalizing both amateur and professional boxing in Vanua Levu. This information was shared by Samuela Ligairi, the special administrator of Labasa Town Council (LTC), during an interview with SUNsports last Saturday. Ligairi attended the South Pacific Boxing Promotion event held at Subrail Park, marking the return of professional boxing to Labasa after a nine-year absence.
Ligairi emphasized that the LTC is committed to reviving the sport through this planned development. The proposed site for the gym is located near the botanical garden at Lions Park. Initial construction efforts are set to commence shortly, with potential funding anticipated from the Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Boxing Commission of Fiji.
The new gym will feature a boxing ring for training and be fully equipped to accommodate athletes. Ligairi mentioned that the current Nasekula Gym lacks sufficient space, prompting the LTC to pursue a larger facility to ensure that more sports enthusiasts can train comfortably.
Collaborative discussions between the LTC and the Macuata Rugby Union (MRU) aim to facilitate the development of this new gym in town. The MRU previously assisted in developing the gym at Nasekula, contributing equipment supplied by the Silktails Rugby League Club. Additionally, LTC has reached out to various Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) for support on this project.
Ligairi highlighted that the proposed gym development could enhance LTC’s finances and inspire more individuals to participate in boxing and realize their athletic potential. He also noted that hosting significant sporting events, such as the Digicel Fiji FACT football tournament, the Fiji Secondary Schools rugby competition (Vodafone Deans Trophy), and boxing promotions, has infused new life into the community in Vanua Levu.
Moreover, Ligairi pointed out that this initiative would benefit not only the council but also the local economy, providing opportunities for hoteliers, taxi operators, market vendors, and restaurant owners to share in the economic gains.