Micah urges Government to accord Beni ‘a fitting farewell’

By ROBINSON LEKA
THE Papua New Guinea Boxing Council has appealed to the Government to assist in farewelling boxing legend Martin Beni following his passing in Port Moresby on Wednesday.
Interim council chairman and former Kavieng MP Ben Micah called on the prime minister and the Government to give Beni a fitting farewell, given his contribution to the sport during the country’s pre-independence era.
Micah said Beni’s contribution in the sporting arena was equally important to that of the founding fathers of the country in the political arena.
“I am the asking the prime minister and the Government to recognise Beni and accord a farewell that is fitting of a man like him,” he said.
“He was part of the fight that inspired many Papua New Guineans to believe in themselves during a time when we were aspiring to gain Independence.
“Whilst all the struggles were going on at the political level between our leaders and the colonial government of Australia, there was Beni who was among some of the best fighters in the world at the time.
“Martin was fighting for the right and recognition of all Papua New Guineans as much as our political leaders. Whilst we have been mourning many of our great political leaders and champions, we are now tasked with giving one of our first great sporting champions, who fought for the pride of Papua New Guineans, a fitting farewell.”
Meanwhile, Oceania Fight Promotions (OFP) has stepped in to assist with costs for Beni’s funeral with its management to consult the legend’s immediate family.