Boxing tourney deferred

 PAPUA New Guinea Amatuer Boxing Union has deferred its national championship in Kokopo, East New Britain, from next month to July 5-7.

PNGABU president John Avira said the national championships were originally scheduled for the Queens Birthday weekend, however, the local organisation committee were force to move the date back due to logistic issues.

Avira said he was advised by chairman of the LOC James Wong that they would face problems with accommodation if the championships went ahead as planned on Queens Birthday weekend.

Wong advised the deferral to July 5-7 because it would be a school holiday where the schools and colleges would be available as accommodation for boxers.

“The reason for the deferral is due to lack of accommodation facilities for around 200 participants that will come to Kokopo for the event. The identified accommodation facilities will be made available when the students are on term break,” Wong said. 

Avira said the change in dates for the 2013 PNG National Boxing championships would not affect preparations.

He said Wong and his committee are working tirelessly to ensure everything was in place for the championships. 

Apart from Kokopo, PNGABU has already submitted a proposal to the PNG Sports Foundation for Go for Gold (G4G) programme funding for the championship. 

He said a PNGABU representative would travel to Kokopo to assist with the organisation of the tournament including securing accommodation venues.