FIJIAN featherweight Ubayd Haider has lost his life at the age of 25.

On October 26, at Prince Charles Park in Nadi, Haider fought 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 barrage of shots from Zhou forced Haider to take a knee. However, he failed to beat the count given by referee Justin Kennedy.

Haider, showing no obvious effects from the bout, walked over to Zhou to congratulate him on his win. Haider’s elder brother, Sebastian, also fought on the same show.

Reports say Haider then collapsed afterwards in the locker room and was taken to Lautoka Aspen Hospital that night. The two-weight Fijian champion underwent urgent brain surgery after suffering a brain haemorrhage. Haider sadly lost his life 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 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 expressed his condolences via 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 begun an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the events which led to Haider collapsing.

Haider’s career began in October 26, 2019 beating Ritesh Gaunder on points over four rounds. Another two wins would follow before he lost to Ronald Naidu in his fourth bout. Haider bounced back, however, and won seven in a row before his bout against Zhou.

Everyone at Boxing News expresses their condolences to Haider’s family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.