Walo out to defend title, Lare no easy opponent

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The National, Friday 14th June 2013

 By JACK AMI

THE fight to watch in the PNG professional boxing is between defending champion Douglas Walo and challenger Paul Lare for the light welter eight (63.5kg) national interim title belt at Port Moresby Country Club on Sunday.

This is the moment of truth as the PNG title belts are up for grabs in the welterweight, lightwelter, light welterweight, light heavyweight and bantamweight as promoter PNG Boxing Federation stage to recognise the champions.

The title fights was supported by Minister for Sports and Pacific Games Justin Tkatchenko through the sports enhancement programme.

Both boxers have prepared well for this meet and will go through the 10 round bout without puffing out prematurely.

A new looked Walo, with three wins from five fights, has the advantage over Lare, unbeaten with three wins.

This is also the first time that the two most promising pro boxers are meeting with the winner to meet PNG title holder Kevin Baki on July 14 at the Sir John Guise Indoor Complex.

The opener in the title fights is between defending champion Kevin Ragu and challenger Simon Hela in welterweight (66kg). 

Then in the light heavyweight (79kg) contenders John Korake and Peter Pora lock heads for vacant PNG title belt. 

The main bout sees contenders Jason Hayeu and Eugene Keto beefing up for the vacant bantamweight (54kg) PNG title. The outcome of this fight will not affect Hayeu’s rematch against Filipino Dado Cabintoy on July 14. 

In the under cards in six round bouts is punch up between Agone Raio and John Kalau in 57kg. 

Next up in the 70kg Ali Ipai and Andaripa Mon. In the 60kg John Harris and John Oscar and the final is veterans Andy Emex and Henry George. 

The under cards for the amateurs start the day off at 10 am with the under 9-year-old for both male and females.

The gate fees are ringside seats K20, general (standing) K5 and children under 12 years K2.