WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Ubayd Haider, a boxer from Fiji, passed away more than two weeks after collapsing at the conclusion of an IBO Asia Pacific Super Featherweight title match against Runqi Zhou, a boxer residing in Australia with Chinese heritage.

The 25-year-old Haider, who was previously known as Nathan Singh, had remained in a coma at Lautoka Aspen Hospital following the fight held in Nadi, Fiji, on October 26.

His wife, Helen Singh, confirmed the tragic news of his death on Monday. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, she expressed her gratitude, stating, “I thank God for the incredible 25 years of your life and the last five spent with me. Thank you for loving me and for the incredible memories we shared together.

“Thank you for giving me the best gift anyone could ask for… our beautiful boys.”

Reports from Fijian media indicated that Haider had been in a coma after undergoing an emergency procedure on his brain. Adi Sarayan, the chairman of the Boxing Commission of Fiji, stated that the commission is collaborating with the appropriate authorities to investigate the specifics surrounding Haider’s death.

In the video footage of the match, Zhou can be seen executing a series of punches on Haider, who attempted to evade but struggled to mount a defense. Eventually, Haider went down to one knee before the referee halted the contest. After the stoppage, he managed to rise and walk back to his corner.

Runqi Zhou expressed his condolences on Instagram, saying “Rest In Peace to Ubayd Haider. He was a fighter to the end. Condolences and deepest sympathies to his family and the people of Fiji.”

This heartbreaking event has raised concerns and prompted discussions about the safety measures and protocols in professional boxing.