Top Fijian sports commentator Satish Narain said it was a sad day for boxing and Fijian sports. Photo: Facebook / Ubayd Haider
The father of late Fijian featherweight boxer Ubayd Haider will sue the governing body of the sport and the boxing promoter of the event that resulted in his son losing his life.
Gyan Singh told RNZ Pacific that the Boxing Commission of Fiji and the South Pacific Boxing Promotions need to be held accountable for Haider's untimely passing.
The 25-year-old boxer, who lost by TKO to China's Runqi Zhou in the IBO Asia Pacific Featherweight title fight on 26 October, was laid to rest on Tuesday.
Gyan, a longtime Fiji boxing trainer, said he is putting things together and will sue promoter Freddy Chand and Fiji Boxing officials.
Singh said his son was ill ahead of the fight and should not have been allowed into the ring.
Haider collapsed outside the ring after his loss.
He was taken to Lautoka Aspen Hospital, where he underwent urgent brain surgery, and remained in a coma for almost a month before he passed away on Sunday night.
Haider, formerly known as Nathan Singh, was regarded as one of Fiji's most promising boxers.
His funeral on Tuesday was attended by Fiji government officials, sports administrators, and people from all sectors of the community.
Fijian social media groups have been flooded with condolences and messages of support for him and his young family, wife and two kids, he has left behind.
Fiji's Sports Minister Jase Saukuru, who spoke at Haider's funeral, said "he will never be forgotten by those whose lives he touched".
The minister has also assured that a thorough inquiry will be conducted into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The Fiji Boxing Commission had said that a commission of inquiry was to begin on 30 October.
RNZ Pacific has contacted the Commission and promoter Freddy Chand for comment.
