The investigation into the tragic death of boxer Ubayd Haider has been concluded, revealing significant lapses in safety protocols during the South Pacific Boxing Promotions event. The Board of Inquiry found that the only critical mistake made was the absence of an onsite ambulance, as reported today by Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, in parliament.
Known as the “Prince of Fiji,” Haider died on November 10, 2024, nine days after suffering a technical knockout against Australia’s Runqi Zhou during the IBO Asia Pacific featherweight title fight in Nadi. Following the match, he was rushed to Zen’s Medical and later transferred to Aspen Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery but ultimately did not survive. His passing marks a somber chapter in Fijian boxing history, being the fourth boxer from the nation to die from head injuries sustained in the ring.
Saukuru reviewed the investigation’s findings, which confirmed that all other safety procedures, including pre-fight medical checks and the stopping of the fight, adhered to international standards. However, the lack of an ambulance was identified as a critical factor that contributed to the deterioration of Haider’s condition after the fight.
To prevent similar tragedies, the Board of Inquiry has made several recommendations. These include stricter medical screenings before fights, especially for high-risk bouts, mandatory brain scans after any knockout or TKO, and improved training and education for boxing trainers, referees, and medical staff.
Saukuru expressed his commitment to enhancing safety measures in boxing, describing Haider’s death as a profound loss for Fiji’s sports community. He emphasized the need for ongoing discussions about athlete safety and called for reforms to ensure such incidents do not happen again in the future.
This tragic situation not only calls for immediate action in the realm of sports safety but also provides an opportunity for the boxing community to reevaluate and strengthen the measures in place, ultimately honoring those who have suffered similar fates by enforcing higher standards for the welfare of athletes.
The hope is that through the lessons learned from this inquiry, significant changes will be implemented, creating a safer environment for future competitors and reducing the risk of similar occurrences in boxing.
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