Olympian shows interest in Kokoda Boxing Challenge

RENOWNED Australian broadcaster and Olympic boxer Benny Pike has shown interest in attending the Kokoda Boxing Challenge this month between PNG and Australian states New South Wales and Victoria.
Pike, who was the lead commentator for the boxing competition of the Pacific Games last year in Honiara, Solomon Islands, has expressed his interest with PNG boxing coach Peter Morrison to support the Kokoda Challenge next Sunday. PNG Boxing Union secretary general Martin Liri is calling on corporate organisations in the country “who would like to enjoy some mileage off a prominent personality like Pike to partner with us to pull this off”.
“He (Pike) has offered to provide his expertise as a ring announcer and we also have the option of utilising his expertise in a livestream broadcast of the 16 fights on the card,” Liri said
“Of course we have our local talents there that we would like to utilise as well but we can still do that and let that person work together with Benny Pike so that they complement each other.
“This kind of opportunities do not come all the time and someone like Benny Pike will give our event a massive boost.”
Meanwhile, PNGBU president Dr Gideon Kendino appealed to corporate houses and Government agencies to confirm their support for this event which would raise funds to finance boxing’s 2024 calendar.
“This event is critical for us as we are giving our boxers preparing for Olympic qualification John Ume, Allan Oaike some quality ring time against decent opposition from Australia,” Kendino said.
“We have some exciting young talent in Sophie Willie (60kg) who will be using this event to prepare for the Oceania Junior and Youth Championships in Tahiti in July,” he said.