Boxing certifies eight officials in New Ireland

NEW Ireland boxing is looking to reach another level with the recent certifying of eight trainee referees and judges, who have undergone a week-long training in Kavieng.
The training was conducted by two certified technical trainers — Papua New Guinea Referees and Judges Union chairman Joe Efi, and Hiri Boxing Association referees and judges chairman John Ono — at Kaplaman.
The trainees are Simon Kusunan, Kisojau Sapak, Pethro Ismael, Shelinah Rake, Anisa Wulau, Vois Benedict, Len Meli and Steven Torima.
Efi said the training now allowed New Ireland to host bouts without bringing in Port Moresby-based referees and judges to oversee the fights.
“Boxing is a technical sport and you must have well-trained referees and judges to oversee bouts because it can be fatal if the match is not supervised properly,” he said.
Efi said referees and judges nationwide needed more training, so technical expertise would still be required from Port Moresby to preside over matches.
President Suga Ray expressed gratitude for the training which now enabled his New Ireland Boxing Association to host bouts.
“We are now looking to host national and international tournaments,” he said.
“In December, we will have two female boxers coming from Australia.
“In April next year, a Queensland team will be in the province.
“With Kavieng Stadium now open, we will be able to host more bouts.”
One of two women who had undergone the training, Tikana local level government president Rake said she was grateful for the initiative.
“For the first time in New Ireland, there was a referees and judges training,” she said.
“This is a breakthrough for us because we have so many boxers, but not enough technical officials.”
The other certified female referee and judge is Kulangit villager and government officer Anisa Wulau.
Meanwhile, New Ireland boxers showcased their skills during the opening of the stadium on Independence Day with the trainees also making their mark in the ring.