Team Morobe happy with outing despite setbacks

By SULI SULI
THE Morobe Amateur Boxing Association claimed five awards in the national championships in Mumeng, Bulolo, Morobe, last weekend.
Association boxer Paul Korerua was awarded gold in the 81kg after he stopped Central’s John Efi.
Despite the financial constraints of attending the championships, the team brought home two silver, one gold and two trophies.
The association was represented by boxers Nelson Basen, Paul Korerua and Andrew Foeke Jr along with head coach Ronnie Noan and team manager Gilly Yama.
Noan told The National that although they did not receive any support, he was pleased with the team’s performance.
“We are proud that the Morobe Amateur Boxing Association produced very good results in the championships,” he said.
“Most importantly, all three boxers were scouted for the national reserve team.” Noan said due to a lack of training facilities and equipment, his boxer were accommodated by the University of Papua New Guinea Boxing Club (the only current active association in Morobe) to prepare for the championships.
“We don’t have proper training gear and facilities,” the former representative boxer said.
Foeke, Basen and Korerua competed in the 52kg, 67kg and 81kg respectively. Foeke faced a tough encounter in the final against national champion Charlie Keama.
“He lost the fight by retiring in second round as Charlie was too experienced for him,” Noan said.
Basen also lost in the final by retiring against Neville Warupi.
The team thanked Bulolo boxing’s Kevin Sam, Tau Binato, Steven Kabang, Chris Okoai and their families for accommodating them.
They also thanked the Papua New Guinea Boxing Union for assisting with food.