Boxer Saimoni Ratu arrived in Labasa yesterday with a clear objective: to secure the vacant Fiji lightweight title and advance his boxing career. In a conversation with SUNsports, the powerful Serea native from Naitasiri expressed that he would retire from the sport if he does not succeed against Umbayd Haider in their title bout scheduled for tomorrow at Subrail Park.
“This is a do-or-die situation for me,” Ratu stated. He shared his journey in boxing, mentioning that he started as an amateur at the age of 14 and represented Fiji at 16, though he could have started earlier due to age restrictions.
“I have a passion for the sport, but a loss to Haider means I will hang up my gloves. Winning is my goal, and I am confident in my ability to achieve that,” he said.
Ratu hails from a boxing family, with his older brothers—Joeli Naleca, Waisele Ratu, and Opeti Tagi—having held Fiji titles in their respective weight classes. He acknowledged the support of his father, Saula Naicori, who has been his trainer despite health challenges. “He has been training me for the past month, and I feel fortunate to have him by my side,” Ratu noted.
Ratu expressed gratitude to Mohammed Shaheem, director of South Pacific Boxing Promotions, and promoter Fred Chand for presenting him with this opportunity and supporting his training efforts.
Haider, who won the Fiji super featherweight title by stopping Krishnil Mudaliar in the eighth round in July, will face Ratu tomorrow. Last year, Ratu made headlines by knocking out Mudaliar in the first round.
“We will compete at 61 kilos against Haider, and I am confident in meeting the weight for the weigh-in. My fitness will be a key advantage in the match,” he added.
The official weigh-in is scheduled for today at 2 PM at the Pacific Energy Service Station, located opposite Meenoos Labasa.