Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru has revealed the Board of Inquiry set up to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of boxer Ubayd Haider, has yet to present its findings to him.
Saukuru confirmed the inquiry team was yet to report back on the matter, adding that he only has the preliminary report.
He also said the BOI was yet to interview promoter Fredy Chand of South Pacific Boxing Promotions, which staged the event where Haider sustained brain injuries during his fight with Chinese boxer Runqi Zhou.
Chand is understood to be in Australia and has sought legal representation.
“They haven’t come back to me yet but yes, I have their preliminary report with me and it’s nothing to fear about, but it’s all for improvement of boxing in Fiji,” Saukuru remarked.
He recalled they were yet to interview Fredy Chand, the promoter of the South Pacific Boxing Promotion which held the event where Haider sustained brain injuries that led to his demise.
“The last time we spoke, with the preliminary findings they have, they still have to interview the promoter of the boxing (event) that night – Fredy Chand,” he said.
Meanwhile, as his passing continues to leave a sour taste within the boxing fraternity and with a Blue Water Boxing Promotion event slated for next Saturday, Saukuru reflected on what lay ahead.
“We don’t have to dictate things for the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF). They’ve done their job, trying to secure, especially in looking after the welfare of our boxers,” he stressed.
“We always learn from mistakes, that has happened. Somebody’s life is gone (and) I feel for the family.”
“But life must move on, we continue to live on so I believe everybody must have learned from their mistakes.”
Haider, formerly known as Nathan Singh sustained those injuries during his IBO title fight against Chinese boxer Runqi Zhou on Saturday, October 26, 2024 and was rushed to hospital.
He died as a result of those injuries on Sunday, November 11, 2024.
