Aipeana take out Moroi boxing title

By HENRY MORABANG
AIPEANA Boxing Club are the new champions of the inaugural Moroi Cup challenge held in Aipeana village, West Mekeo, Central.
Staged on Dec 29-31, the boxing tournament attracted 185 boxers from 15 clubs which took part in cadet, novices, senior men’s and senior women’s divisions.
Aipeana won five gold, six silver and seven bronze medals to finish ahead of neighbouring club, St Paul’s of Veifa’a village who picked five gold, five silver and four bronze medals.
The event attracted boxing clubs from the East, West, North Mekeo and the National Capital District.
Hiri and Abau did not take part in the championships.
St Paul’s who finished second picked up major awards with Isidore Oaike collecting the boxer of the tournament award after defeating the current champion Junior Kaoka in the 56kg division.
His elder brother, Allan won the most improved boxer of the tournament in the 49kg after beating current champion Charlie Keamau.
Keamau unsettled undisputed fighter Jack Willie for the title during the National Boxing championships in Vanimo, West Sepik last month.
The event also welcomed the return of St Paul’s representative Mary Greg who made a surprise comeback to win gold in the 60kg division.
She also picked up the boxer of the tournament award in the women’s division.
The most improved women fighter of the tournament went to Shane Ima of Aipeana Boxing club. Ima fought in the 49kg category. 
In the novice division; Jay Aisa of Opo Boxing Club in Eboa village won the improved male fighter.
In the cadet division, Raphael Auki of St Paul was the most improved male fighter. However, there were no women fighters in that category.
Former PNG champion and coach Willie was impressed with the standard of boxing.
Despite not getting much technical support from well-established centres, the rural-based boxers showed they could fight against their superior opponents.
“All they need is good support and coaching from well-established associations,” he said.
He also commended the tournament director Joe Aufa for involving youths to provide security during the event.
Their involvement saw a decrease in illegal activities such as home brew drinkiong during festive season.