Recently, boxing’s unforgiving nature was brought home when Fijian boxer Ubayd Haider (previously Nathan Singh), was critically injured following his TKO loss to Chinese boxer Runqi Zhou in Nadi Prince Charles Park for IBO Asia Pacific Featherweight title at Prince Charles Park – leading him to be knocked down during round nine before needing emergency care at Lautoka Aspen Hospital for surgery and care.
Haider, 25, is currently hospitalized under medical supervision and his condition has caused great alarm among his family, friends and supporters. Gyan Singh- his longtime trainer- is still hopeful for Haider’s recovery amid this trying time; Fiji Boxing Commission Chairperson Adi Narayan recently announced plans for an inquiry commission into what caused Haider to be hospitalized in response.
Investigation into Safety and Drug Testing Procedures
The inquiry aims to include members from the boxing commission as well as independent representatives to ensure a thorough review of safety and regulatory adherence at the event. Narayan highlighted that all participants were supposed to undergo drug testing post-fight, as mandated by the International Boxing Organization rules, but raised concerns whether these tests were conducted by the event promoter as required.
Reports of drug test omissions and the discovery of Epinephrine and needles in the warm-up area compound the situation further, raising serious doubts as to the handling of the event. Furthermore, observers questioned Haider’s continued participation despite appearing impaired from round five onwards, hinting at possible errors of judgment that might have worsened his injuries further.
As both boxing fans and Ubayd Haider’s family await answers for what may have transpired, their show of support underlines both the dangers inherent to boxing as a sport and its inherent need for rigorous safety protocols. His situation provides yet another stark reminder that proper fighter welfare requires diligence on every front.