ENB prepares fighters for event

 THE East New Britain Boxing Association will prepare a team to host the national titles in Kokopo from July 5-7.

Boxing coordinator Joel Kilengit said the recent provincial tournament had over 80 fighters from four clubs competing in three divisions – senior men’s, women’s and novices.

The three-day provincial tournament from June 8-10 had three winners in each of the seven novice categories and five each in the women’s and men’s divisions. 

But as the association prepares fighters for the national titles, they are in need of funding to ensure boxers camp together two weeks before their fights. 

Kilengit said as the host, East New Britain would be allowed to field more than one team and they had planned for two teams each in the men’s and women’s divisions. 

The province will have a fighter each in the nine divisions from the 48kg to the 91-kg weight category.

He thanked the fifth PNG Games host organising committee for bringing a ring to the province last year and for looking after the equipment and releasing it for use at such tournaments.

Calling for support from the local government, he appealed again to business houses to respond to their requests as the fighters would be representing the province. 

The availability of equipment was a contributing factor to many fighters taking part in the provincial tournament. 

Kilengit said they planned a calendar for regular competitions to keep fighters in top condition.