Boxers advance to fight for gold

By HENRY MORABANG
PAPUA New Guinea has three boxers in the gold medalelimination bouts which should put them in a steady position for second overall in the 2017 Pacific Mini Games in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
Boxers John Ume, Andrew Aisaga and Charlie Keama will fight for gold medal in their respective weight divisions at Korman Stadium Hall 2 today.
Boxing collected three bronze medals through Tala Kami, Allan Oaike and Beapu Noki, who lost their respective bouts yesterday afternoon.
Team manager Dick Larry said from Port Vila last night that they were hoping for positive results in the remaining bouts.
Larry strongly tipped Keamu to win gold and also Aisaga after winning by a good knock-out against his Tonga opponent yesterday.
He admitted that his boxers took the game lightly hoping for a walk-over as they did in the 2015 Pacific Games at home where they topped the boxing competition.
Larry said Noki lost through referee stop contest (RSC) decision while Allan Oaike withdrew because of a big cut on his face while Talamoni Kami lost on points.
Larry, who is well-versed in the sport in the region, said he was confident that the remaining three boxes would deliver the goods to help Papua New Guinea stay second in the overall 2017 Pacific Mini Games.