Veteran trainer Lepani Wilson has urged the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) to refrain from making public statements while the investigation into Ubayd Haider’s death remains ongoing. His comments come in response to a recent press conference held by BCF chairman Adi Narayan and board member Eroni Loganimoce, where they addressed the suspension of South Pacific Boxing Promotions (SPBP) license. The suspension was linked to promoter Fred Chand’s comments on social media.
Wilson expressed his discontent with the BCF’s handling of the situation, stressing the need for sensitivity and respect during such a serious investigation, especially considering the grief experienced by Haider’s family. Drawing from his past experience in the 1990s regarding the death of boxer Filimoni Takayawa, when he served as president of the Professional Boxing Wrestling Association (PBWA), Wilson emphasized the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders, including boxing bodies, promoters, and legal representatives, to enhance safety measures for boxers.
He highlighted that assigning blame solely to one individual, such as the promoter, is unjust, as multiple parties share the responsibility for ensuring proper safety protocols are followed. Wilson called for a collective effort to prevent future tragedies in the sport, advocating for both accountability and proactive measures to enhance the safety of boxers.
This call for unity and maturity in addressing such challenging issues exemplifies the boxing community’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of its athletes, fostering a safer environment for all involved in the sport.
Overall, the article stresses the importance of cooperation, respect, and sensitivity in the face of tragedy, with an overarching message that the loss of life in boxing should lead to constructive changes aimed at improving safety protocols for the future.
Leave a comment