Boxing urges critics, fans to back team

 THE Papua New Guinea Boxing Union is urging all stakeholders to throw their support behind teams preparing for the Pacific Games. 

Veteran boxing official Dick Larry said with only four months to go before the Games, there should not be any grumbling about the selection of teams or players. 

Larry was concerned about media reports stating that the National Capital District Boxing Association as well as the Kairuku Amateur Boxing Association had criticised the union over the selection of certain boxers into the national squad.

He said officials should be wary that boxers can perform well in one tournament but may not be good in others. 

“Some boxers who did not turn up for trials were selected due to their experience and consistency,” Larry said. Larry, who is the chairman of the selection committee, said there were many factors that were taken into account when deciding on the best athletes for the Games.

He said a fighter’s attitude towards training, discipline and commitment was just as important as the athlete’s skills and talent.

The squad will be travelling to a camp on the Gold Coast next week.

Depending on training schedules and fights, they may stay for a month or two before returning. Squad: Men – Charlie Keama (49kg), Lui Magaiva (52kg), Henry Umings (56kg), Beipu Noki (56kg), Thaddeus Katua (60kg), Tony Oaike (60kg), Tom Boga (64kg), Andrew Aisaga (69kg), Robert Gabriel (75kg), Jonathon Keama (75kg), Lukas Wakore  (81kg), Tony Toliman ((81kg), Rudi Suchanek (91kg), Leo Kondai (91kg+) Billy Torea (91kg+); Women – Philo Magaiva (51kg), Laizani Soma (60kg), Manuela Lamberth (60kg), Raphaela Kaore (60kg), Debbie Kaore (75kg) Christine Ikupu (75kg).