Boxers to use event to prepare for Olympic qualifiers

By JAMIE HARO
THREE Papua New Guinean boxers will be using the 2024 Kokoda Challenge as part of their preparations for the upcoming Olympic Qualifiers in Thailand next month.
Allan Oaike (57kg), John Ume (63.5kg) and Kendu Steven (75kg) are among a total of 15 PNG boxers who will compete against Boxing Australia boxers to commemorate Anzac Day on Sunday.
PNG Boxing Union president Dr Gideon Kendino said, “the plan is to use the 2024 Kokoda Challenge as a part of preparations, three of them will be taking on fighters from NSW and Victoria before they head out for their camp in Australia.”
The 15 bouts will also see PNG’s six female boxers go head to head against their Australian opponents. Sheila Yama, currently training for the Olympic Qualifiers in New Zealand, will miss this year’s event.
“Apart from the three male boxers, our female boxer Sheila Yama is currently working as a nurse and training for the Olympic Qualifiers in New Zealand so she’s unable to compete in this Sunday but we have our six female boxers up for this challenge,” Kendino said.
Meanwhile Adventure Kokoda Trek leader and PNG Boxing development coach Peter Morrison said this challenge was vital for all the boxers competing this weekend since its inception in 2016.
2024 Kokoda Challenge: Women’s 48kg Goli Bali v Amirita Saluja (NSW), 57kg Flora Loga v Julie Ramadan (VIC), 60kg Sophie Willie v Alexis Proctor (NSW), 63kg Petronella Nokenoke v Eve Bryson (VIC), 66kg Leontine Kevin v Natalie Dynon (NSW), 75kg Debbie Kaure v Emma Sue Greetree (NSW)
Men’s 48kg David Ome v Beau Piggott (VIC), 54kg Bid Michael v Jawaad Shamshir (VIC), 57kg Allan Oaike v Harrison Knew (NSW), 60kg Floyd Kunnopi v Serat Jamal (VIC), 63.5kg John Ume v Henry Nable (NSW), 67kg Fidelis Laia v Peter Lee (NSW), 71kg Warren Warupi v Leo Shen (VIC), 75kg Kendu Steven v Dominic Molinaro (VIC), 81kg Kua Gunua v Ricky Nguyen (VIC)