Plans are underway to establish a boxing gym in Labasa aimed at revitalizing both amateur and professional boxing in Vanua Levu. This initiative was shared by Labasa Town Council special administrator, Samuela Ligairi, during an interview with SUNsports last Saturday, following his attendance at the South Pacific Boxing Promotion program at Subrail Park.
After a nine-year absence, professional boxing has made a return to Labasa, and Ligairi expressed that the town council is committed to the sport’s revival through the construction of this new facility. The proposed site for the gym is situated near the botanical garden at Lions Park, with construction expected to begin shortly. The project is anticipated to receive financial backing from the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Boxing Commission of Fiji.
The gym will feature a boxing ring for training purposes along with full gymnasium equipment. Ligairi noted the limitations of the small space available at the Nasekula Gym, which is why a larger facility is essential to accommodate more aspiring athletes.
Furthermore, the Labasa Town Council is collaborating with the Macuata Rugby Union (MRU) to facilitate the development of a larger gym in town. The MRU was instrumental in the establishment of the gym at Nasekula and provided equipment through donations from the Silktails Rugby League Club. The council has also invited other non-governmental organizations to support this initiative.
Ligairi believes that the gym’s development will boost the finances of the Labasa Town Council and attract more individuals to the sport, helping them discover their potential. He emphasized 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 positively impacted the local community in Vanua Levu.
He added that this approach not only benefits the council but also enhances the local economy, providing opportunities for hoteliers, taxi operators, market vendors, and restaurants to share in the profits generated from these events.