Opugu carries boxing hopes

BOXING are pinning their hopes on young Andrew Opugu today as he steps into the ring to take on Nasser Mafuru of Tanzania in New Delhi.
After a disappointing loss to Michael Andrew in the 75kg last night, PNG are hoping Opugu and his compatriot Lui Magaiva from Bereina, Central, to save face for their country.
Lynch Ipera won a medal in boxing for PNG during the 1998  Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Magaiva, who is currently PNG’s champion in the 46kg to 49kg division, will be up against one of his toughest opponents, Jaffet Uutoni of Namibia.
He will be out to stamp his mark after two months of training in Thailand in preparation for the games.
Also in other fights tomorrow, Camillus Kaikai will take on Benson Njangiru of Kenya in 52kg while veteran campaigner Emil Koaka will fight Valentino Knowles of Bahamas in the 64kg.
PNG coach Joe Aufa and his manager Dick Larry are confident the boys will give their best.
In a previous interview, Larry said the boys had been training for the last three months in Thailand and hoped they would put  to good use what they had learnt from their vigorous training.
Chef de mission Tazman Wardley said she hoped the boxers would do their best.
She reiterated that the boxers would give their best shot.