Micah hails fighters for helping to revive sport

By ROBINSON LEKA
Director Ben Micah praised local boxers for reviving the sport in the country after his Oceania Fight Promotions hosted on Sunday the first World Boxing Council (WBC) title fight in four decades.
Despite national light heavyweight John Korake missing out on the title, Micah has challenged the Bougainville native and his fellow boxers to step up and compete for more titles.
“Boxing is on the way up,” he told boxers at the Sir John Guise Stadium Indoor Complex in Port Moresby.
“You have proven that you can make it and everyone who was present on Sunday saw what you were capable of.
“Papua New Guinea has the heart to fight. We have the courage and strength.
“We will be more organised next year, when there is a new management (for professional boxing) that takes over.
“Clubs and their fighters will be registered and they must have gym equipment.
“I’m proud that we have proven that this sport, which was dead for almost 40 years, has been resurrected.”
Micah said Sunday’s bouts had lifted PNG’s reputation in front WBC and Asia Boxing Council (ABC) officials, and Prime Minister James Marape.
Meanwhile, Micah says PNG’s Junior Kauko Raka will be vying for the WBC-ABC lightweight title next year.