His older brother and cruiser-weight fighter Sebastian Singh acknowledged the overwhelming support for their family since Haider’s admission.
The late Ubayd Haider.
Hundreds of mourners gathered at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva yesterday to farewell Fiji’s super feather-weight and light-weight champion Ubayd Haider.
The congregation included Minster for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Lenora Qereqeretabua, former Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment Dr Mahendra Reddy, Fiji Football Association chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf, Boxing Commission of Fiji directors led by Adi Narayan, businessmen, the Fiji boxing fraternity, families and friends.
Haider, formerly known as Nathan Singh, passed away late Sunday night after being admitted at the Lautoka Aspen Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for more than two weeks.
Wife of the late boxer Ubayd Haider, Margaret Singh, her son and Haider’s parents at the FMF Gym on November 12, 2024. Photo: Ronald Kumar
He collapsed on his way to the changing room following his technical knockout (TKO) defeat to China’s, Australia-based fighter Runqi Zhou on October 26 in their Inter-national Boxing Association (IBO) Asia Pacific Super Featherweight title fight under South Pacific Boxing Promotions.
Sending in his condolences from Canada, SPBP director, Mohammed Shameem said: “Ubayd was a person of kindness, strength, generosity and we remember him for his great contributions to the world of boxing in our beloved country.
“Ubayd’s unique trait and talents made him a very unique and special boxing figure for all of us.
“Today, we not only mourn Ubayd’s loss, but we also carry forward the lessons he taught us.”
Minister of Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru with other mourners during boxer Ubayd Haider’s service. Photo: Ronald Kumar
Manipulated
His older brother and cruiser-weight fighter Sebastian Singh acknowledged the overwhelming support for their family since Haider’s admission.
He added that despite being sick four days before the fight, Haider held his head high and fought until the ninth round.
“He had asked to be excused from the fight, he was manipulated,” Sebastian said.
Mohammad Ilias speaks during the service for the late boxer Ubayd Haider at FMF Gym on November 12, 2024.
Photo: Ronald Kumar
“My brother you’re loved all over the world; to my mum and dad put your heads up, you’ve raised a true warrior.”
Former sporting icon Sonny Bill Williams spoke from Sydney, Australia, to convey his condolences.
Mohammed Iliyas who brought SBW to Fiji during the fight shared that Haider’s passing was a big loss to Fiji boxing.
Late boxer Ubayd Haider’s parents Gyan and Anita Singh at the service at FMF Gym on November 12, 2024. Photo: Ronald Kumar
Iliyas and SBW were with Haider’s family after he was admitted at Lautoka Hospital on the night of October 26.
Saukuru assured the Singh family that the ministry would ensure that a thorough investigation through the commission of inquiry will be conducted to disclose the truth.
Also sending his condolences to Haider’s family was veteran trainer John Ramos who now resides in Vancouver, Canada.
Haider was last night buried at the Raralevu Cemetery in Tailevu.
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