4 days Ago By Fiji Sun News
Two members of the Commission of Inquiry who is investigating the death of featherweight boxer Ubayed Haider (formerly known as Nathan Singh) have stepped down. They are former Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Land Force Commander Pita Driti and the Boxing Commission of Fiji chairman Adi Narayan. This was confirmed yesterday to SUNsports by the Minister of Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru.
When contacted Narayan said he had to excuse himself from the three-member investigating team. “I’ve set-up the committee and I’ve excused myself, so the committee has got another member,” he told SUNsports. “I have done my part, and I hope for it (investigation) to be transparent and completely independent of their findings.
“He (Driti) has stepped down because he sighted it as a conflict of interest.” Saukuru said they are still finalising the third member of the Commission of Inquiry. “It’s their individual right, as for Mr Adi Narayan I have removed him because he is the current chairman of the boxing commission,” he said.
“That board (BCF) will go through the investigating team as well, so I don’t want their interest in the set-up.” Saukuru said the inquiry team sits on Friday to conduct their interviews. “At the moment we have Mr Philip Eneriko, director for Youth and Sports and Edwin Wainiqolo from Lautoka.
The third party will be contacted today (yesterday). The confirmation will be given to me.” Narayan said Wainiqolo, who is a lawyer by profession would be leading the investigating team.
“You can talk to him about the progress of the inquiry,” he said. Narayan also indicated that he would not be making any further comments regarding the investigation. Haider collapsed after his IBO (International Boxing Organisation) Asia Pacific featherweight title fight at Prince Charles Park in Nadi on October 26.
He was rushed to Lautoka Hospital and underwent head surgery but was in a coma. He died late Sunday night, November 10, and was buried last Tuesday at the Raralevu Cemetery in Tailevu. Promotions to continue Meanwhile, Narayan said there are promoters who have renewed their license for next year.
“Bluewater Boxing Promotions will be promoting the first of their four or five promotions for next year,” he said. “The announcements will be made in December on the main boxing promotions. Promoter (Samir Khan) will come up with it as he’s got a new partner.
” Narayan said Khan would launch next boxing promotion in a few weeks time. Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.
com.fj.
