Boxers into finals

By HENRY MORABANG
Papua New Guinea’s John Ume defeated Colan Caleb of Nauru on points in the 64kg bout in the light-weight division at Korman Hall 2 in Port Vila, Vanuatu, yesterday to book a semifinal spot.
All five judges gave a tick to Ume who managed to edge out Caleb on points.
Ume will now meet Jone Davule of Fiji in the first semifinal while Roy Sere of Vanuatu and Gerrard Babanisi of the Solomon Islands will meet in other semifinal.
In the super heavyweight division (+91kg), PNG’s Tomasi Kami lost to Samoan fighter Faamanu Aukuso. Though it was a close as indicated on the score sheet, Aukoso had the upper hand to score more points than Kami in the rounds.
Results of the fights between PNG’s Andrew Aisaga and Solomon Islands’ David Samo in the 69kg division, and Lukas Wakore and Torea Jubely of Tahiti in the light heavy weight division under PGC were not available.
Coach Joseph Aufa said these were quarterfinals but the semifinals would be today.
PNG boxers set for the semifinals were Beupu Noki, who will fight Boe Warawara of Vanuatu in the 56kg, Allan Oaike, who will meet the winner of Fiji’s Ratu Pauliasi and Samoa’s Nuuli Mose, and Tala Kami, who will face either Graham Kidoe of Solomon Islands or John Penueta of Samoa.
Charlie Keama will go straight into gold medal play-off tomorrow when he meets the winner of Gill Kalai (Vanuatu) and Alex Mika (Solomon Islands).
Aufa said the draws favoured Team PNG but it was up to the boxers to produce the goods.
“With the training, I am confident the boys will produce positive results,” he said.