Pro Boxer, 25, Dies After Collapsing Outside the Ring Following Title Fight

Professional boxer Ubayd Haider has died after collapsing outside the ring following a featherweight title fight. 

Haider, a native of Fiji, had been in a coma at the country’s Lautoka Aspen Hospital after the fight in Nadi, Fiji on October 26. He was 25 years old. 

In the moments after a TKO defeat over Chinese boxer Runqi Zhou for the IBO Asia Pacific Super Featherweight belt, Haider collapsed and was carried away by members of his team, who took him backstage to a waiting emergency vehicle. 

After he was admitted to the hospital, Haider underwent brain surgery — it was ultimately unsuccessful. 

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The boxer’s death was confirmed in a Monday, November 11 social media post by Haider’s wife, Helen Singh, per The Associated Press. “I thank God for the incredible 25 years of your life and the last five spent with me,” Singh wrote. “Thank you for loving me and for the incredible memories we shared together.”

Haider is also survived by the two sons he shared with his wife, who Singh called “the best gift anyone could ask for.”

In an interview with the Fiji Sun published on Tuesday, November 12, Haider’s father, Nathan Singh, said his family is searching for “answers on what happened.” 

“It is a sad day for us,” his father added. “His funeral preparation is underway as he was converted to the Muslim faith and it is my duty as a father to honor his faith including his final rites.”

Haider is set to be laid to rest on Tuesday in Fiji.

According to the Sun, The Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) has launched an investigation into Haider’s death. When contacted by the outlet, BCF chairman Adi Narayan said he would wait to comment on Haider’s death until after his funeral. 

“We respect the family while they observe their mourning period,” Narayan noted. 

Zhou, the fighter Haider faced just moments before he collapsed, issued a statement via Facebook, calling Haider “a fighter until the end.”

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“Condolences and deepest sympathies to his family and the people of Fiji,” Zhou added.

After Haider’s death was announced, condolences began streaming in from all corners of the boxing community. 

“My heart goes out to his family, friends and team,” boxer George “Ferocious” Kambosos Jr. wrote via X. “It’s a beautiful sport but also a tough sport when these things happen inside the ring .”

A Fijiian boxing fan shared via X, “A person that fought till death. Left his life on the line for representing Fiji in sports. People need to stop their hate comments. He has represented the country till 6ft under. He needs respect. Rest in love Ubayd Haider.”