Ubayd Haider, aka Nathan Singh. Photo: Facebook / Ubaid Haidar
The absence of an ambulance was a critical factor that denied the late Fijian boxer Ubayd Haider the chance to receive urgent medical attention when he collapsed at a boxing promotion in Nadi last year.
The Fijian Sports Minister Jese Saukuru made that revelation in parliament on Tuesday, six months after the late Haider's death and the completion of a Commission of Inquiry.
However, Saukuru's revelation has been condemned by Haider's older brother, who is also a boxer, Sebastian Singh.
In a video message on his Facebook page, Singh questioned Saukuru's claims made in parliament.
"Investigations haven't been completed, Saukuru," he said.
"The team that was set up for doing investigation are still waiting for the promoter to get into the country."
The promoter is Australia-based Freddy Chand.
Singh said that Haider's family is going through a tough time and claimed something sinister is happening.
"These people want to sweep everything under the carpet," he said via a text on Messenger.
The Commission of Inquiry, led by lawyer Ed Wainiqolo, was set up to investigate the circumstances surrounding the program.
The team handed in their report two weeks ago.
While confirming that the team cannot reveal their findings, Wainiqolo said that they did not talk to promoter Chand.
"No, we didn't interview Freddy," Wainiqolo confirmed.
"He had his reasons, genuine, and legitimate per se."
'Lack of an onsite ambulance'
Saukuru said the absence of an ambulance was the only safety protocol that Chand, of the South Pacific Boxing Promotions, did not follow.
He said that turned our to be a critical factor in Haider's condition worsening, according to the state broadcaster FBC.
"In light of protocols and response, the referee acted according to international standards, stopping the fight under the TKO rule and medical personal attended to Mr Ubaid Haider immediately," Saukuru stated.
"However, reports reflect the lack of an onsite ambulance, which delayed critical care."
Saukuru had reviewed the findings inquiry and confirmed that all other procedures - from Haider's pre-fight medical checks to the stoppage of the match - met international standards.
He said the Commission of Inquiry has made a number of recommendations going forward.
The recommendations include: stricter medical screenings before fights, especially for high-risk bouts, mandatory brain scans after any knockout or TKO, and better training and education for boxing trainers, referees, and medical staff.
Saukuru described Haider's death as a major loss for the national sports community and said the ministry is committed to preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Haider passed away nine days after an induced coma, having lost the fight earlier by technical knockout to Australia's Runqi Zhou in a IBO Asia Pacific Super Featherweight title fight at King Charles Park.
He was rushed to Nadi Hospital by his team members in a private car before being transferred to Lautoka Aspen Hospital.
Inquiry team lead Wainiqolo had told RNZ Pacific earlier that they had investigated all stakeholders involved in the program and were waiting on Chand.
He said they interviewed around 20 personnel.
