A Fijian featherweight boxer is in “critical condition” after a challenging match against a Chinese opponent based in Australia during a boxing promotion event held in Nadi, Fiji, on Saturday.
The fighter, Ubayd Haider, previously known by his ring name Nathan Singh, was knocked out by Runqi Zhou during the IBO Asia Pacific Featherweight title bout at King Charles Park. Following his defeat, Haider reportedly collapsed and was quickly taken to a hospital in Lautoka, where he remains in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Local reports indicate that Haider endured numerous powerful body punches from Zhou, leading him to adopt a defensive stance throughout most of the match. Fiji’s state broadcaster, FBC, highlighted the severity of the blows he absorbed.
The event’s promoter, Freddy Chand, along with former All Blacks rugby star Sonny Bill Williams, who was a special guest at the match, visited Haider in the hospital afterward to show their support.
According to a report by The Fiji Times, Haider is currently battling brain injuries sustained during the bout. His team is expected to provide an update on his condition later today.
