Bring back pro boxing bouts

PNG’s first professional boxing bout was held in November 2008.
Unfortunately, it came to a halt following the death of a boxer after a fight early last year.
The then Sports minister ordered the formation of the PNG Pro Boxing Board after a public outcry.
It has been almost a year since the tragedy and the boxing community in PNG is still in the dark over the board members’ names.
I would not be surprised if the panel has not been formed.
Boxers know the risks when they enter the ring.
Brain trauma, detached retina, broken ribs, ruptured spleen, and damaged liver are some of the risks involved.
Like the adage “no pain no gain”, boxers go through some of the toughest training sessions just to get paid.
As I am writing this letter (March 14), the world’s best pound for pound boxer, Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao of the Philippines, is defending his WBO welterweight title against former IBF welterweight champion Joshua Clottey of Ghana. 
Although the fight is not a pay-per-view blockbuster, they are fighting for US$15 million and that’s a lot of money.  
PNG has untold potentials in the likes of our current pro boxers.
The short pro boxing in PNG had unearthed hidden talents who can do their talking with their gloved fist in the ring.
Many of our fighters have already gained the respect of Filipino and Australian fighters.
Pro boxers are calling on the Sports minister and the Sports Commission to form the Pro Boxing Board quickly so it can coordinate and sanctioned bouts.

B. Ray
Port Moresby