Ready to glove up for Ubayd

Local Sports

Inspiring boxer Joseph NarayanA YOUNG man moved by the death of boxer Ubayd Haider is serious about taking up boxing as a sport.

Joseph Narayan took to social media, Facebook to put out a message to promoters and trainers to help him achieve his lifelong dream of becoming a boxer.

Inspired by the late Joy Ali as a teenager, Narayan looked up to Ubayd Haider as his idol and followed his career up until the fateful bout against Runqi Zhou.

“I’m heart broken, Fiji lost a true son, seriously I’m taking up boxing, from scratch and working myself up, if that's what it takes,” said Narayan.

“I may sound naive but I will do it for Ubayd.

“Ubayd put his life on line literally for the country every time he stepped in the ring, I want to do it for him.”

Narayan showed his raw boxing skills in a viral video with a pledge to support him to make his dream come true.

“Boxing clubs to trainers, I need help.”

The Nadroga vegetable farmer said life’s all about taking risks and he’s prepared for what the future holds in the sport.

“People may think I’m crazy, I’m fine with that, people didn’t spare Ubayd for the sacrifices he made for the country, talked down on him and supported Zhou so who am I.”

“This is the society we live in today, the good you do today people often forget tomorrow, do good everyday and let God be the judge.”

Narayan said what irked him is that he didn’t see Udayd’s boxing promoters during the funeral, asking where’s the respect.

“The least they could’ve done was to pay him one last respect, or maybe lend a hand to carry his casket to the final resting place.

“Where is solidarity, humanity and love in us.”

Narayan said he’s ready to dedicate his boxing to Ubayd, if it comes to fruition.

“Give me a chance, that’s all I ask,” said Narayan.