Ragu to defend title

 By JACK AMI

BUKA’s 39-year-old Kevin Ragu is confident of stopping Gulf’s Simon Hela for the welterweight (66 kg) division Papua New Guinea title on Sunday at the Sports Inn.

Ragu flew into Port Moresby last week and has prepared well for the challenge against the Moveave man.

He is unbeaten in this division and predicted he would nail Hela in the third or fourth round of the six-round challenge.

Hela, however, will not be easy prey as the he has professional experience.

He lost to light welterweight champion Kevin Baki twice and will want to make amendments for that.

The challenge between Jason Hayeu and Eugene Keto is likely to be called off if the former is not cleared by the doctor. 

The big fight is between no-nonsense John Korake and Peter Pora in the light heavyweight (79 kg) division. 

Both are big and aggressive boxers and it is predicted to be the fight of the weekend to witness.

The professional undercards at 3pm will be interesting as new faces try to make their mark.

Opening the day is Agone Raio and John Kalau (57kg), then Ali Ipai faces Andaripa Mon (70kg) before new kid on the block John Harries takes on John Oscar while former amateur and Commonwealth champion John Kopi is in an exhibition bout with Henry George.

PNG Boxing Federation vice-president Alex Rihatta said all the pro-boxers would benefit from cash prize.

Rihatta said the weight-in would be at Holiday Inn Life Gym from 8am-10am.

Men and women amateurs start the programme at 11am.