Boxers chase Governor’s Cup spots

THE NCD Boxing Association held a successful boxing trials at the Ben Moide Soldiers Club, Murray Barracks, on Sunday.
The trials attracted fighters from all clubs in NCD – Kido (Wanigela-Koki), Neighbours, University, Wildlife, Socray and host, Defence.
The one-day trials boxed off with school children, followed by novice and female bouts before the senior boxing contest ended formalities.
The trials were to select two teams  for the NCD Governor’s Cup boxing championships this weekend.
NCD sports officer Dianne Paliau oversaw the trials, which were conducted under the watchful eyes of NCD-based PNGBU tournament director, Dick Larry.
Larry said he was pleased with the tournament but many boxers were rusty because of the long break after the national championships.
He said if NCD wanted to be competitive, it should have a fortnightly boxing competition to ensure fighters were prepared for major national or provincial events.
In the novice division, Neighbours’ Ismael Lalana outclassed Wil­kinson Maika of Kido club in the 51kg division, Marley Soma and Glen Arada won on technical grounds against Jacob Tore and Man Karikara respectively. Tore and Karikara did not shave their beards as required in amateur boxing.
Jimmy Ambane beat Neville Jimmy in the 60kg division, Aped Maika won on disqualification after Junior Sabub of Neighbours failed to have proper equipment.
In the only female fight, Goli Baro of Kido proved too strong for Nancy Ben of Socray Boxing club, with the referee stopping the fight.
National champion Charlie Fauma won when referee Charlie Keamau found him too good for Darius Kes of Neighbours in 49kg division.
Chicko Emmanuel survived a strong challenge from Elias Aki of Neighbours in the 64kg division to win a split decision.
The highlight of the championship was between the two Defence boxers, Mack “Compressor” Hiari and Ivan “Tapioka” Sikwaileta, with Hairi taking the decision.