FIJIAN featherweight Ubayd Haider has sadly passed away at the age of 25.
On October 26, at Prince Charles Park in Nadi, Haider took on Australian-based Chinese boxer Runqi Zhou for the vacant IBO Asia Pacific featherweight belt on a South Pacific Boxing Promotions card. The fight ended in the ninth round when a flurry of punches from Zhou forced Haider to take a knee. Unfortunately, he was unable to beat the count given by referee Justin Kennedy.
Despite showing no immediate signs of distress after the fight, Haider approached Zhou to congratulate him on his victory. Haider’s older brother, Sebastian, also competed on the same card.
After the fight, Haider reportedly collapsed in the locker room and was rushed to Lautoka Aspen Hospital that evening. Following a brain haemorrhage, the two-weight Fijian champion underwent emergency brain surgery. Tragically, Haider passed away yesterday (Sunday, November 10) and will be laid to rest tomorrow at Raralevu Muslim Cemetery. He is survived by his wife Helen and their children.
Sebastian Singh paid tribute to his brother with a heartfelt post on Facebook today (Monday).
“Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return. R I P …. See you on the other side, love you my bro. You’ll always be remembered!”
Haider’s opponent Runqi Zhou also sent his condolences through the Fiji Boxing Updates group on Facebook.
“Rest In Peace to Ubayd Haider, he was a fighter till the end. Condolences and deepest sympathies to his family and the people of Fiji.”
The Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) has initiated an inquiry into the events leading to Haider’s collapse.
Haider’s boxing career began on October 26, 2019 with a victory over Ritesh Gaunder by decision after four rounds. He then secured two more wins before suffering a defeat to Ronald Naidu in his fourth fight. Haider bounced back, however, and went on to win seven consecutive matches before facing Zhou.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to Haider’s family, friends, and loved ones during this challenging time.
