Ligairi said due to the small space at the Nasekula Gym, the LTC wants to open this gym, where it is more spacious to ensure maximum sporting enthusiasts are able to train in it.
From left: Vanuatu boxer Roy Ser shapes up against Winston Hill in their 10-round fight at Subrail Park, Labasa, on August 10, 2024. Hill won on a third round knockout.
Photo: Sampras Anand
There are plans to develop a boxing gym in Labasa to help revive amateur and professional boxing in Vanua Levu.
This was the gist of Labasa Town Council special administrator, Samuela Ligairi’s interview with SUNsports last Saturday.
Ligairi attended the South Pacific Boxing Promotion programme at Subrail Park.
It was after a nine-year lapse that professional boxing was back in Labasa.
He said LTC plans to revive the sport by developing this project.
Ligairi said the site identified for this development is near the botanical garden at Lions Park.
He said works on the initial construction would start soon and is in-line with possible funding support from the Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Boxing Commission of Fiji.
“We will have a boxing ring for training and it will be a fully equipped gym.”
Labasa Town Council special administrator, Samuela Ligairi.
Ligairi said due to the small space at the Nasekula Gym, the LTC wants to open this gym, where it is more spacious to ensure maximum sporting enthusiasts are able to train in it.
Discussions have been facilitated by the LTC and the Macuata Rugby Union (MRU) to get a bigger gym developed in town.
The MRU helped develop the gym at Nasekula with the equipment donated by Silktails Rugby League Club. The LTC has also invited other Non Government Organisations (NGOs) to also support this development.
Ligairi said the proposed development would boost the LTC finances.
He said this would encourage interested individuals to join the sport and realise their potential.
Ligairi said hosting big sporting events like the Digicel Fiji FACT football tournament, Fiji Secondary Schools rugby competition (Vodafone Deans Trophy) and boxing promotion have brought a new lease of life to the people in Vanua Levu.
“It is a holistic approach, not just for council to benefit, but, the local economy where hoteliers, taxi operators, market vendors and restaurants will get a share of profits,” he added.
Feedback: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj
