The family of Fiji’s champion boxer Ubayd Haider has broken their silence seeking answers on what transpired on the night of the South Pacific Boxing Promotion fights at Prince Charles Park in Nadi on October 26.

This was after Haider, born Nathan Singh, died at Lautoka’s Aspen Hospital on Sunday night after being in a coma for 16 days; he also underwent a brain surgery.

“We need answers on what happened,” said his father and veteran boxing trainer Gyan Singh.

Singh said it was devastating for the family as this happened to his son, a promising boxer with great talent.

“It is a sad day for us.

“His funeral preparation is underway as he was converted to the Muslim faith and it is my duty as a father to honour his faith including his final rites.”

Haider lost by technical knockout (TKO) to China’s Runqi Zhou in the ninth round of the IBO Asia Pacific Featherweight title bout.

He collapsed on his way to his changing room. Haider was carried by his teammates and promoter Freddy Chand to a waiting private vehicle and was rushed to Zen’s Medical and on to Nadi Hospital.

From there, he was referred to Lautoka Aspen Hospital.

An ambulance transported Haider to Lautoka.

The Boxing Commission of Fiji rules and regulations state on Section One (10) that promoters shall arrange for a stretcher tobe at ringside and the referee shall ensure it is there before allowing bouts to begin.

His opponent Runqi on his Facebook post said:  “Rest In Peace to Ubayd Haider, he was a fighter until the end. Condolences and deepest sympathies to his family and the people of Fiji.”

Haider, 25, is survived by his wife, Helen Margaret Singh and their two children.

She said Haider will always be in her heart. She thanked God for the incredible 25 years of Haider’s life which the past five years were spent with her.

“Thank you for loving me and for the incredible memories we shared,” she wrote.

“Thank you for giving me the best gift anyone could ask for: and that is our beautiful boys. I will forever cherish everything we shared and hold on dearly to our mini–Nathaniel Singhs,” she said.

The Government and BCF have launched a Commission of Inquiry to investigation the incident.

The Commission is chaired by Pita Driti, and has members; Philip Hereniko and Adi Narayan. At least 10 individuals are expected to be questioned soon.

When contacted yesterday, BCF chairman Adi Narayan said he could not comment on the death of Haider but would do so after his funeral.

“We respect the family while they observe their mourning period.”

His body will be at the FMF Gym at 3pm-5pm for public viewing today.

The funeral will take place at 5:30pm at Lot 19 Vasant Lal Road, Laucala Beach before burial at the Raralevu Muslim Cemetery at 8pm.

Meanwhile, Haider fought twice in Australia during his 12-fight career, for a record of 10-2 (6 KOs).

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