Lack of detailed medical check-up to determine neurological vulnerabilities and the absence of a stand-by ambulance (on fight day) are two key factors blamed for the death of featherweight boxer Ubayd Haider also known as Nathan Singh.

The final report by the Board of Inquiry (B.O.I) over Haider’s death was presented in Parliament yesterday by the Minister of Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru.

The B.O.I did not contain any statement from South Pacific Boxing Promotions (SPBP) promoter Freddy Chand, who now resides in Sydney, Australia. Chand had wanted his lawyer Roopesh Singh to be present during his interview.

The B.O.I was headed by Lautoka lawyer Edwin Wainiqolo.

However, the report indicated there are major gaps in boxing safety and medical protocols, which were exposed.

Haidar fought Runqi Zhou in October 26, last year at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.

He collapsed after the fight and was rushed to Zen Medical before being transferred to Lautoka Aspen Hospital.

He underwent head surgery but never regained conscious. Haider died on November 10.

Speaking in Parliament, Saukuru said Raider’s untimely death in last November sent ripples of grief throughout the country’s sporting community.

He said despite delays due to the unavailability of key witnesses, the B.O.I’s final report highlighted four key areas of concern: prefight checks, ringside response, post-fight medical care and regulatory oversight.

KEY FINDINGS

1. Pre-Fight Medical Checks

Haidar passed standard prefight examinations, but the report concluded these checks were insufficient to detect neurological vulnerabilities. It recommends enhanced screenings, particularly for high-risk bouts.

2. Fight Protocols and Immediate Response

While the referee acted according to international standards in stopping the match under TKO (technical knockout) rules, the absence of an on-site ambulance caused a critical delay in emergency care.

3. Post-Fight Medical Care

The lack of a dedicated emergency transport plan further hampered timely treatment. Although medical staff at Lautoka Aspen Hospital worked tirelessly, the severity of Haidar’s condition proved fatal.

4. Regulatory Gaps

The inquiry calls for stricter regulations, mandatory post-fight evaluations, and urgent improvements in education and awareness among referees, coaches, and medical personnel.

“We owe it to his (Raider’s) family, the boxing community, and the Fijian people to present the findings of the Commission of Inquiry, address the issues raised, and ensure that all necessary actions are taken to safeguard our athletes,” Saukuru told Parliament.

Safety Framework

In response to the findings, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, alongside the Boxing Commission of Fiji, has committed to sweeping reforms aimed at overhauling Fiji’s combat sports safety framework. Saukuru said the ministry would now ensure the enhancement of medical protocols as per the commission’s recommendations.

This he said included mandatory pre-fight MRI or CT scans for national and international bouts, post-fight medical evaluations for all knockout or TKO outcomes, improved ringside emergency preparedness, including defibrillators, ambulances required at all major combat events and the presence of trauma specialists or neurosurgeons during high-risk matches.

He also hinted of a regulatory and infrastructure reform with stricter safety standards for professional boxing.

“This includes regular compliance audits aligned with international norms, investment in ringside medical equipment and standardised emergency response protocols.”

On Education and Athlete Support, the B.O.I report recommended national awareness campaigns on the risks of combat sports, concussion management training for referees, coaches, and staff, access to mental health support for athletes and the retirement and transition planning for athletes at long-term health risk.

“While we cannot undo the pain of his passing, we can honour his memory by ensuring that such a tragedy never happens again,” Saukuru said.

“The Government remains unwavering in its commitment to athlete safety and sports development.” Saukuru closed by calling on the House to ensure that Haidar’s death becomes a catalyst for reform.

“The Government has yet to announce when the proposed safety measures will be formally implemented but signaled that reforms will be pursued ‘with urgency’.”

Feedback: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj