Korake: I want WBC belt to stay

By PARKER TAMBUA
A World Boxing Council (WBC) belt has arrived in the country and it is up for grabs for the light heavyweight title fight between national champion John ‘The Stopper’ Korake and Thai No.1 Chaloemporn Sawatsuk.
The belt arrived on Tuesday and was showcased by Oceania Fight Promotions (OFP) during a contract signing in Port Moresby yesterday.
OFP director Maryanne Millie said it had been 40 years since a WBC belt last reached Papua New Guinea shores and that the country was privileged to witness the return of such an occasion. “I would like to thank WBC and Asian Boxing Council for giving us this rare opportunity,” she said.
“The country must be proud of this. I am happy to welcome Thai champion Sawatsuk to have a go against our very own ‘Stopper’ Korake.”
There to witness the showcase was national boxing legend Martin Beni and Korake.
Beni, who was in his prime in the 1970s, said it was another milestone in the history of boxing in Papua New Guinea.
The legend said he wanted boxers in the country to continue developing the sport.
Korake said the belt had already reached PNG shores and he would put his body on the line to make sure the belt remained in the country.
“This belt will never leave Papua New Guinea and I am confident,” Korake said. “I thank OFP for their hard work in staging such a boxing event in the history of PNG.”
He said he would give his best to put his body on the line to ensure the belt remains in Papua New Guinea.
According Millie, WBC vice-president Houcine Houichi and Prime Minister James Marape will attend the fight.