Boxer Saimoni Ratu arrived in Labasa yesterday with one thing in mind to win the vacant Fiji lightweight title and continue on with his boxing career.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday the hard-hitting Serea native from Naitasiri indicated that he would retire from the sport if he loses to Umbayd Haider in their title fight at Labasa’s Subrail Park tomorrow.

“I’m in a do-or-die situation,” Ratu said.

“I’ve been in boxing all my life. I started as an amateur boxer when I was 14 and had represented Fiji at 16. I could have done it earlier but was still underage at that time.

“I love the sport but if I lose to Haider then I’m retiring but if I win I’ll continue fighting. I’m going for a win and I’m confident about it.”

Ratu comes from a boxing family where his older brothers Joeli Naleca, Waisele Ratu and Opeti Tagi were Fiji title holders in their respective weight divisions.

“Our dad who was our trainer Saula Naicori and came with me to Labasa. Despite being sickly he has been training me for the past month. I’m blessed to be here with my dad.”

Ratu said he was grateful to South Pacific Boxing Promotions director Mohammed Shaheem and promoter Fred Chand for giving him another opportunity and also for their support during training.

Haider stopped Krishnil Mudaliar in the eighth round in July to claim the Fiji super featherweight title. Last year, Ratu shocked the boxing fraternity when he knocked out Mudaliar in the first round.

“We’re fighting in the 61 kilos against Haider and I’ve no problem in making the weight during the weigh-in. I’ve worked on my fitness and that should be my weapon in the ring,” he added.

The official weigh-in is today at Pacific Energy Service Station (opposite Meenoos Labasa) at 2pm.

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