Boga wins international match on debut

By NATHAN WOTI
UPNG journalism student
FORMER amateur representative Tom Boga won his first professional boxing bout with a technical knockout of Indonesia’s Zemba Rons Umbre in the super welterweight division in Port Moresby on Sunday.
Boga told The National that he was pleased with the win on debut after he ended the fight in just round two. The bout was scheduled for six rounds.
“I’m excited. That was the result I wanted and I got it tonight on the country’s biggest boxing stage,” he said. “Although he was taller, I knew I could still beat him by doing what I do best and that was to work on his body and then go up (to his head).”
The fight got the crowd on their feet as Boga displayed superior evasive skills to dodge Umbre’s punches. “For three months, I’ve been practising how to read body movements, footwork and counter punches. It all came to play in the ring,” the Papua New Guinean said.
Both fighters appeared to have scored similar points in the opening minutes but Boga was quick to come out on top by landing few uppercuts before the end of round one.
Round two saw Boga dominating by stalking Umbre and landing some heavy blows on his body and head.
Umbre appeared to be stunned by the series of blows before the referee stopped the bout to assess the visitor’s condition. Boga was then declared winner by technical knockout.
Coach Ephraim Monturo said that fight was “important for both of our reputations”.
“It was my first time to coach a boxer for an international bout and Tom was also competing in his first professional fight.
“We knew a lot was on the line but we managed to stay focused and secure win. I’m happy.”
Monturo said he was looking forward to more bouts.
Monturo and Boga thanked their sponsor, Gejah Academy for Multiple Martial Arts and their families for the support.