Boxer turns professional, aims to make international debut

BOXER Allan Oaike who won bronze at the 2017 Pacific Mini Games in Port Vila, Vanuatu, has turned professional.
Oaike, from Veifa’a village in Kairuku-Hiri, Central, may seem quite raw at the international level, having been involved in only three events.
But the 25-year-old’s amateur career of 150 bouts is quite impressive, giving him plenty of ring time since he made his debut at 14 years of age.
The search for appropriate fights for Oaike continues and major announcements will be made when details are finalised, considering the challenges the Covid-19 pandemic presents and how it has restricted travel overseas.
Trying to get international exposure in the amateur ranks before that was quite difficult for Oaike as bouts were restricted to one boxer to each weight category.
And a younger boxer who burst onto the 60kg scene, Thadius Katoa showed exceptional talent continued to dominate that weight category.
Oaike had to bide his time until 2017 when he made his amateur international debut at the Pacific Mini Pacific Games.
Katoa was ruled out due to injury, allowing Oaike to earn a call-up before fighting his way to the finals to finish third.
“It was quite an exciting experience, Oaike said.
“I think I was in the race for the gold play-off, if that cut didn’t work against me as I was leading (the contest).”
Anything can happen in a bout and it was unfortunate that Oaike’s Samoan opponent opened up a deep cut to his head.
How that happened can be contentious.
Unfortunately, for Oaike, the decision didn’t favour him but his opponent.
That is the past.
Now he is looking ahead and believes professional boxing provides increased opportunities to fight at the international level.
“I am training hard,” Oaike said.
“I have to always be fit and ready so that when an opportunity to fight comes and my management decides it is best for me, I will make my professional debut.”
Oaike is managed by Probox Media Papua New Guinea which sees a lot of potential in him.