Ubayd Haider
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer
The Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) has initiated an investigation into the events leading to Fijian boxer Ubayd Haider’s collapse outside the ring on Saturday.
Haider, previously known as Nathan Singh, lost to China’s Runqi Zhou by TKO in the ninth round of the IBO Asia Pacific Featherweight title match organized by South Pacific Boxing Promotions.
The young athlete is currently in an induced coma at Lautoka Aspen Hospital, fighting for his life. His father, Gyan Singh, expressed hope that Haider will recover.
BCF Chairman Adi Narayan stated that a team has begun looking into the circumstances that resulted in Haider’s hospitalization.
Local media reports indicated that epinephrine and needles were reportedly discovered in the warm-up area at King Charles Park in Nadi.
Narayan confirmed that the Commission of Inquiry will include members from the Boxing Commission along with two independent representatives, according to fijivillage.com.
He also noted that the IBO had sanctioned the title fights and mandated drug testing for all boxers after each match.
Narayan asserted that the promoter was responsible for this process, and the results were to be communicated to the Fiji Boxing Commission.
However, promoter Freddy Chand informed local media that no drug tests were carried out, citing the significant costs involved in organizing a boxing promotion and suggesting that the BCF should assist promoters in funding such events.
