Ragu retains welterweight crown with ease

BUKA’S Kevin Ragu defended his PNG welterweight title (66kg) when he knocked down challenger Simon Hela of Kerema in the third round at the Sports Inn yesterday.

It was an easy win after Hela doubled up in pain and retired prematurely in front of about 500 people.

Ragu remains unbeaten and qua­lifies for July 14 fight with an opponent to be named  by the promoters PNG Boxing Federation.

In front of a vocal crowd, Ragu’s right shot landed on Hela’s stomach who collapsed in pain and was counted out by referee Alex Rihatta.

Ragu, who flew last Friday from Buka to Port Moresby to defend his title, was well prepared and credited SOCAY Boxing Club pro boxer and coach Kevin Baki for training him.

He stepped up a gear in the third round to punish Hela after an equal exchange of punches and bear hugs.

Ragu said he was satisfied with the win because the discipline and commitment in training had paid dividends. But he was upset the fight had to stop prematurely.

In the other bouts, Douglas “The Bomber” Walo was just too strong for another Buka boxer Paul Lare.

He knocked out Lare in the fourth round to set up a clash with Kevin Baki for the vacant light welterweight (63.5 kg) crown.

Lare received nasty cut above his eyebrow and was rushed to the Pacific International Hospital for emergency treatment.

Big John Korake floored Mekeo’s Peter Pora in round one to snap the PNG light heavyweight (79kg) title.

Eugene Keto escaped a possible defeat from kick boxer Bostney Elo in the sixth round after his mouth guard slipped out four times was disqualified by Rihatta. 

Keto making a comeback in the ring had to stand pressure from the Southern Highlander. And to grab the PNG bantam weight title (65kg).

In the pro under cards new kid on the block John Harries fought bravely in the six rounds only to loss to Koki Wanigela’s John Oscar on split points decision.

In what was described as an exhibition Andaripa Mon konocked down Ali Ipai and the same applied to Agone Raio by John Kalau.