Ume focused amid pandemic

By PATRICIA KEAMO
OLYMPIC boxing hopeful John Ume says he is staying focused as he aims to qualify for the July 23-Aug 8 Olympic Games which will be held in Tokyo, Japan.
The 24-year-old, from Kivori in Kairuku, Central, has been training under national coach Mark Keto at the Southside Fitness Centre in Port Moresby following the closure of sporting venues due to the nationwide Covid-19 restrictions.
With 85 days left before the Olympics, Ume told The National last week that training had been progressing well and he was aiming to be on par with international boxers.
“Obviously, the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted my preparations,” he said.
“Since boxing is an indoor sport, we need equipment like punching bags in the gym.
“Despite the circumstances, my coach has been making it possible for me to continue training, so my preparations have been progressing well.
“We’ve been training outdoor to improve my speed and endurance, but I need a lot of sparring.
“However, a lot of the senior boxers who train with me can’t be here due to factors like transportation issues.
“But otherwise, the junior boxers have been helping me to train.
“I am looking forward pushing for Olympic qualification.”
Since the boxing qualifiers have been cancelled, Ume is looking at earning a spot through the tripartite invitation, also known as the wild card entry.
According to PNG Olympic Committee secretary-general Auvita Rapilla, allocation for the tripartite places will be made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) by June, based on the sport’s qualification system.
Ume has been representing the country since his international debut in 2016 where some of his caps include the 2017 Pacific Mini Games, 2018 Commonwealth Games and 2019 Pacific Games where he won gold.
“I was in the development squad before gaining selection into the national squad to represent the country,” he said.
“I have a lot of experience in local competitions.
“But I still need more experience from competitions around the world.
“I believe I am capable of matching the standard of boxers from other countries.
“One of my greatest achievements in my career was last year when I went to Jordan (for the Asia/Oceania Olympic Qualifiers).
“I defeated a boxer from Saudi Arabia in my first bout before losing to the world No.5 in my category.”
While awaiting the IOC allocation, Ume is focused on improving his boxing.
“For a boxer to make it through to the quarterfinals, you have to win four fights and to win a medal you have to win seven fights which is tough,” he said.
“We need to have more domestic and international competitions in order to raise the boxing standard in PNG.
“That way, we can build our experience and face top boxers in the world like those from Cuba and Ukraine.”