Boxing to pick team to face Fijian side

By HENRY MORABANG
THE Papua New Guinea Boxing Amateur Union will stage trials in Port Moresby to pick a team to take part in an international boxing challenge with the Fiji Amatuer Boxing Union.
The event will be at the Sports Inn, which is inside the Sir John Guise sports complex, Waigani.
PNGABU treasurer and chairman of the tournament Mathew Aisa said the plan was to pick a nine-man team for a show against fighters from Fiji on Oct 15.
The event would fall on Fiji’s independence anniversary.
Aisa said the bouts were friendlies but aimed at reviving boxing in the country.
Six boxing associations in the Southern region are all ready to face off in the ring for a spot in the team to Fiji.
The associations in Southern region include NCD, KABA, New Mekeo, Hiri, Kerema and Abau.
Majority of the boxers are training in preparation for the PNG Games and with the deferral of the event, the trials offer them a opportunity to compete for a prize — a spot on the team.
Aisa clarified that because of the short time frame, the PNGBU was not able to organise a proper national tournament to pick the team.
Fight fans are encouraged to attend the tournament,with the admission fee of K10 for adults and K5 for students.
Aisa said the action would start tomorrow and was a good opportunity for interested youngsters to come and watch competitive boxing.
Veteran boxing official Dick Larry said he was pleased local boxers would get a chance to compete for a spot on a national team as boxing shows were few and far between.
The team leaves on Oct 14 and return on Oct 17.