Boxing Commission of Fiji Chair, Adi Narayan has assured the family, friends and the broader boxing community after the passing of the late former featherweight boxer, Ubayd Haider, formerly known as Nathan Singh, that they are working closely with the relevant authorities to understand the circumstances surrounding Haider’s tragic collapse.
Haider was in an induced coma following emergency brain surgery after the controversial fight against Australian-based Chinese boxer Runqi Zhou at King Charles Park in Nadi, where no required drug tests were conducted by the promoter.
Narayan says their investigation into this matter will include a thorough review to ensure that such incidents are handled with the utmost care and that lessons are learned to protect the health and well-being of all boxers.
Narayan says Haider had been hospitalised ever since his fight against Zhou last month and had fought valiantly through this difficult period.
He says Haider was a man of remarkable character, and his dedication to the sport of boxing has left a legacy in Fiji.
He adds he was not only a talented boxer but also a champion of Fijian boxing, and he was known for his strength, resilience, and commitment both in and out of the ring.
Narayan says Haider’s loss is felt deeply by all who knew him, and by all those who had the privilege of watching him compete.
Meanwhile, the results from the Commission of Inquiry by the Fiji Boxing Commission on the whole incident are yet to be revealed.
Narayan had said that a Commission of Inquiry was going to start on Wednesday, 30th of October with the members including a representative from the Boxing Commission and two independent representatives.
Narayan had also confirmed that the International Boxing Organization had sanctioned the title fights in that promotion, and it required that all the boxers were to be tested for drugs after each fight and the promoter was responsible, and the results were to be shared with the Fiji Boxing Commission.
This comes amid concerns that Epinephrine and needles were allegedly found at the warm-up area at King Charles Park in Nadi.
Questions were raised by fijivillage News after Haider was rushed to hospital in a private vehicle after his fight with Zhou.
Haider’s camp wants to know why drug tests were not conducted, and is seriously concerned about the drugs and needles found in the warm-up area.
Promoter Fredy Chand confirms that no boxer underwent a drug test after their fight.
