Fijian featherweight boxer Ubayd Haider, previously known as Nathan Singh, has tragically passed away at the young age of 25. His death follows a serious incident where he sustained critical head injuries during a fight against Australia-based Chinese boxer Runqi Zhou on October 26. The bout was part of the IBO Asia Pacific Featherweight title contest held in Nadi, where Haider was knocked down in the ninth round.
After the match, he was immediately taken to Lautoka Hospital and subsequently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. The heartbreaking news of his passing was shared on social media by his older brother and fellow boxer, Sebastian Singh, who expressed his deep grief.
Sebastian paid tribute to Ubayd with a touching message, saying, “Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return. R I P …. See you on the other side, love you my bro. You’ll always be remembered.”
Ubayd Haider’s legacy will surely continue as his passion for boxing and dedication to the sport left an impact on those who knew him personally, as well as on the larger boxing community in Fiji. The mourning of his unexpected loss is palpable, yet it serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in combat sports and the close-knit nature of the boxing family.
This tragic event casts a shadow over the boxing world, highlighting the inherent risks athletes take in pursuit of their dreams. It also reinforces the need for ongoing discussions about athlete safety measures in combat sports, promoting a proactive approach to protect fighters like Ubayd Haider in the future.
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