Boxers urged to stay focused despite deferral

Oceania Fight Promotions (OFP)has deferred its fights which were scheduled to take place in Port Moresby on Friday.
The deferral came after the Government imposed a 14-day lockdown of the National Capital District in response to a spike in Covid-19 cases in the city.
OFP managing director Maryanne Millie expressed her disappointment over the deferral of the local bouts as this was the second postponement of the year after the first one in April.
“It is frustrating to delay this week’s fight after we sought approval and clearance from the Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation’s pandemic management committee and the hard work we put into planning, preparations and marketing,” she said.
“But there is nothing we can do so we’ve deferred the bouts to a later date, tentatively Aug 21, but an announcement will be made depending on the outcome of the lockdown.
“This will discourage my boxers and their trainers as they have prepared well for their bouts.
“But we have a bigger fight on our hands and we must abide by the Government’s orders and keep ourselves safe from Covid-19.”
Papua New Guinea boxing Legend and OPF promoter Martin Beni urged the boxers to keep training in isolation and observe the Covid-19 health and safety measures to keep themselves and their family safe during the lockdown.
Millie thanked OFP’s sponsors for their continued support in these tough times.
She assured them that OPF would stage the bouts this year following the lockdown.
But Millie said they would seek clearance from relevant authorities before proceeding with the bouts.