Tribute pours in for boxer Ubayd

Local Sports

Tribute pours in for Ubayd HaiderTRIBUTES are pouring in for Ubayd Haidar, the flamboyant boxer who died in Lautoka Aspen Hospital yesterday.

Ubayd was in an induced coma after a surgical procedure stemming from injuries he sustained during the IBO Asia Pacific Featherweight title bout against Runqi Zhou.

The Fijian showman lost the fight in the ninth round but the sport has forever lost an athlete, known for pomp and pageantry and who was a great human being.

Even before the news was confirmed by his family, word of Ubayd’s final hours was being shared on social media and people from every walks of life offered prayers.

Following the news of his passing, the reaction was immediate and the sentiment was consistent, everyone felt the loss.

Leading the tribute was Ubayd's brother and boxer Sebastian Sniper Singh.

“Indeed we belong to Allah and return to him.

“See you on the other side, love you my brother. You’ll always be remembered.”

Ubayd converted to Islam, his birth name was Nathen Singh.

Every sports, religious and community run social media sites have dedicated spaces to Ubayd’s passing, and a wave of Fijian in the country and around the world have been sending messages of condolences.

People find solace in the fact that Ubayd was at peace, free of all pain and suffering and that he was with his maker.

“You have won boxing matchups, with all the fanfare, enthusiasm and glamour and now you're at 'Peace”, said Praveen Pratap.

“Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace, sleep for eternity.”

Silvia Prasad said ‘rest in paradise’ warrior, you fought your last breath.

“May almighty give your family strength and peace during the most difficult times of their lives,” she said on Viti World of Sport.

Former Fijian boxer Akuila Naidu offered his sympathy to Ubayd’s families who are grieving their loss.

Naidu said Ubayd’s passing leaves a lot of unanswered questions.

“I’m saddened by his death, a true compatriot gone too soon. You left us boxing and boxing will not be the same. Rest high champ.”

Tevita Lomani Baleiwai, a fan of Ubayd and a boxing prospect, made his feelings known on Facebook.

“Waking up to this sad news. Really hard to accept, I was looking forward to training and learning more from you champ. Always remember to see you on the other side brother. Deepest condolences to the family.”

Faiza Kalaam writes ‘Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji'un’ (Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Allah we shall return).

“May Allah grant you the highest place in Jannah and ease the hearts of those who mourn your loss.”

“We will always remember you, not just for your achievements, but for the kindness, humility, and faith you carried with you.

“May Allah forgive you, shower you with His infinite mercy, and grant your family patience and strength in this difficult time. Rest in peace, my brother. Your memory will live on in our hearts.”

Ubayd was a true warrior and represented Fiji with heart.

In the last social media post, just days ahead of the now dreadful fight, he had sent an emotional message of love for God, the people of the country, youths and the future of the sport.

“My brothers and sisters, in 5 days I will fight not just for myself, but for Allah SWT and my country, and the freedom of opportunity for the youths that are dreaming the same dream I am, this fight will define me.

“He may come with force, but I will face him with courage, honor, and the unshakable belief of my Fijian Mana running through my veins. I fight for the future, for the generations to come, and for the pride of our country. I’ll stand strong with full focus on victory.

“Let 27th October be the day we show the world what it means to fight for what we love. For our country, Fiji, Allahahuakbar (God is Great).

Ubayd's life, marked by his assertion, "The Prince of Fiji” still highlights his unparalleled legacy in boxing.