The Boxing Commission of Inquiry (B.O.I) chairman Edwin Wainiqolo reiterated that they have exhausted all reasonable and diplomatic means to interview South Pacific Boxing Promotion (SPBP) promoter Freddy Chand.

This was after Minister of Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru told the media last week that investigation by the B.O.I has hit a roadblock since Chand has left the country and cannot be interviewed.

Saukuru further added that Chand’s promoting licence has been suspended.

However, Chand’s lawyer has filed for a judicial review with the Lautoka High Court.

In the last hearing, Judge Justice Mohammed Azhar ordered the Boxing Commission of Fiji to appear in the next hearing, which is on May 26.

The investigation was on the death of featherweight boxer Ubayd Haider who collapsed after his ninth round TKO (technical knockout) loss to Sydney-based boxer Runqi Zhou for the IBO Asia Pacific super featherweight title fight at Nadi’s Prince Charles Park on Saturday, October 26, last year.

He was taken Lautoka’s Aspen Hospital where he underwent head surgery. Haider failed to recover and died on November 10.

Wainiqolo said: “The B.O.I has been courteous and extending both Mr Chand and his lawyer with zoom link. They confirmed and we waited.

“No one came online nor was any courteous reply to be excused. We waited multiple times. The zoom link was sent by the Ministry of Youth IT, not by any of us.

“The minister had indicated that we have exhausted all reasonable and diplomatic means to interview Mr. Chand, without success.

“Regrettably it has delayed the cause of the investigation, while the public at large eagerly awaits in anticipation of the same.”

Wainiqolo indicated that they have been criticised by the public with allegations of possible collusion.

“Which is not. The advise to Mr Chand is that the matter is out of our hands of the B.O.I, but it’s referred back to Government for assistance.

“That’s discretionary powers of any government. Criminal prosecutions, extradition and so on. Whatever forms it exhausts is its own prerogative. Whether through extradition or otherwise, is for the minister to decide.”

Wainiqolo said it would be advisable that Chand agree to come forward and meet the commission of inquiry.

“The long arm of the law may be thin and narrow- but it is very long. A b i partisanship approach would surely address a lot of grey areas. He is the only person who has been avoiding interview.”

Speaking to SUNsports from Sydney in Australia, Chand said he has been waiting for the B.O.I to contact him for an interview.

“My only request to the B.O.I was for my lawyer to be present during the Zoom interview;” he said.

“That is my right. I need a fair hearing. I’ve been blamed right from the first day. The B.O.I gave me the date and time but nothing happened. My lawyer knows all about this and we’ve got everything recorded. We’ll take it further if need be.”

Chand alleged that he was also threatened of being arrested and sent back to Fiji.

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