Veteran boxing trainer Lepani Wilson has urged the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) to refrain from issuing public statements regarding the ongoing investigation into the death of boxer Ubayd Haider. Wilson’s comments followed a press conference held on Friday by BCF chairman Adi Narayan and board member Eroni Loganimoce, where the commission announced the suspension of South Pacific Boxing Promotions (SPBP) due to promoter Fred Chand’s controversial remarks on social media.
Wilson expressed concern over the potential impact of such comments on a sensitive investigation, highlighting the importance of respecting the grieving family affected by this tragedy. He stated, “This is a serious issue where life matters. In situations like this, maturity should be exercised.”
Drawing from his own experience in the 1990s with the death of boxer Filimoni Takayawa, Wilson emphasized the need for collaboration among all parties involved, including boxing authorities and legal representatives, to develop safety protocols that can prevent similar incidents in the future. He remarked, “We didn’t play the blaming game because common sense should prevail here—life has been lost, and we must focus on preventing it from happening again.”
Wilson concluded that accountability should not lie solely with one individual, noting that multiple parties share the responsibility when proper processes are not followed. He urged for stronger enforcement of safety measures in the sport to ensure the well-being of boxers.
This appeal highlights the need for compassion and everyone’s shared responsibility in safeguarding the lives of athletes while reinforcing the importance of constructive dialogue during difficult times.
In light of this tragic event, there is hope that the boxing community and regulatory bodies will come together to implement more rigorous safety measures, demonstrating a commitment to protecting the lives and health of athletes.
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