Bell ringing for boxers

 By HENRY MORABANG

BOXERS from Vanimo and Aitape in West Sepik are destined to miss out on consideration for places in the national boxing train-on squad for the 2015 Pacific Games in Port Moresby.

According to the national amateur boxing championships host organising committee (HOC) in Kokopo,  East New Britain the teams from the border province pulled out in the last minute while Wewak are stranded either in Madang or Lae enroute to Kokopo.

Despite the unfortunate situation, the championship starts today  at the Vunapope Diocese Hall. 

The province last hosted the boxing title in 1977.

PNG Amateur Boxing Union national coach Joe Aufa said from Kokopo yesterday that the number of association in attendance was likely to be cut back because of travelling costs. 

Bulolo, Lae, Kairuku, Manus and West New Britain, who earlier indicated they would attend have not contacted the HOC to confirm their participation. 

Despite the lack of information on teams competing organisers are willing to accept late entries in order to bolster the national titles .

Aufa said the teams currently on the ground are Abau, Bougainville, Gulf, the National Capital District, Mt Hagen, Jiwaka and two host teams, ENB 1 and ENB 2.

Meanwhile, NCD has named a star-studded team for the championships which includes Charlie Keamau (49kg), Junior Kauka (52kg), Henry Umings (56kg), Mack Hiari (56kg), Tom Boga (K60kg), Chicko Emmanuel (64kg), Alex Worogop (69kg) and Charles Kavo (75kg).