Marape welcomes boxers

PRIME Minister James Marape has welcomed international professional boxers Roldan Aldea and Mark Sales who are in the country for Sunday’s World Boxing Association (WBA) Asia-sanctioned bouts.
They arrived on April 10 and were in 14-day quarantine at a hotel in Port Moresby.
“I am delighted to welcome these young fighters, Roldan Aldea and Mark Sales, and their team into the country,” Marape said.
“I understand from the Oceania Fight Promotions (OFP) management standpoint that the boxers and the international match officials will be placed in 14-day isolation and they will be closely monitored to see that they are taken good care of.”
He said after six days in isolation, the international delegates would be swabbed and tested for Covid-19 by the health authorities and a negative result would guarantee the Philippine fighters and team to socialise with the public, access public facilities and box.
“This is a great opportunity for these young boxers to continue to raise and fly the boxing banner in both countries,” the Prime Minister said.
“This can be a great way to continue boxing in coronavirus-impacted areas of our two countries — PNG and the Philippines.
“This month’s tournament is part of a series of boxing tournaments that my Government and I have been supporting and will continue to do so because these add value and relevance to youth development in our country.”
Marape has indicated that he will attend some of the bouts.