Avira elected unopposed as Boxing Union president

THE Papua New Guinea Amateur Boxing Union (PNGABU) now has a new executive headed by its former secretary general John Avira.
Avira was elected unopposed when his only opponent and former ally Honk Kiap had no association to second his nomination for amateur boxing’s hottest seat.
Kiap was not present at the annual general meeting held at Vanimo Beach Hotel last Thursday but was nominated by an NCD Amateur Boxing Association official for the top position.
Avira takes over from former president Lohial Nuau.
The night also belonged to the host association when patron and chairman of the 2011 PNGABU boxing championships Robert Seneve was elected vice-president of the national body.
Originally from Manus and a long-time resident of Vanimo, he was nominated for the post after the original nominee, Philberth Aisaisa of the Kairuku Amateur Boxing Association (KABA) could not make it on time for nomination and election.
In fact, Aisaisa was still travelling by road between Wewak and Vanimo when the election was held.
The other members of the new executives are: Pauline Nuau as secretary and Bougainville Amateur Boxing Association president Pius Tatevi as treasurer.
Nuau beat an NCDABA official 6-2 for the position which is the only one that was challenged during the AGM.
Veteran boxing personality Dick Larry declined his nomination as the chairman of referees and judges committee allowing Joe Efi to retain his position.
Larry only accepted his re-election as the PNGABU tournament director.
Nuau is also chairperson of the country’s women’s boxing in the country in the interim before a permanent appointment is made.
The new executive will meet in the new year to discuss the way forward for boxing.