Walo ready to get back in the ring

By JACK AMI
PAPUA New Guinea professional boxing two-time titlist Douglas “The Rock” Walo is back in the ring after several years.
PNG Professional Boxing promoter Elwin Wafiwa said Lae-based Walo would make a return in the light middleweight (69kg) division taking on Lester Wafi, of Wewak ,on Feb 25 at the Sports Inn, Waigani.
Walo, who has won four out of five pro fights, picked up a pair of titles under the WBF which was headed by former promoter Nick Calibad’s PNG Professional Boxing Federation.
The 27-year-old of mixed Morobe, Central, Gulf and Madang parentage is now based in the Morobe capital after previously living in Port Moresby.
Walo said he had not lost interest in the sport but was unable to pursue pro fights in the country because of a lack of opportunities.
He added that he had kept in good physical shape throughout his period of inactivity and when approached by Wafiwa he had readily agreed to get back in the ring.
“It’s good to be back training and getting ready to step back into the ring,” Walo said.
“It was always one of my goals to fight professionally and I go involved as a young fighter several years ago and won most of my fights but I couldn’t continue because no one was organising professional fights anymore.
“This will be my first fight in a long time but I’m confident in my ability. I know I will do well because I have kept fit and a win here could give me more chances to fight.”
Walo, who is in Port Moresby preparing for the bout at the end of the month, said he was training at his old stomping ground in the city’s north east.
“I’m currently training at Vadavada settlement under trainer John Kalap. Training has been good so far and I’m looking forward to fighting on Feb 25.”
Promoter Wafiwa said under his PNGPB banner fighters who won local titles would then be given the chance to fight in international bouts with his organisation’s first foray overseas set for Indonesia in June.
Wafiwa said Walo had the qualities to be a solid professional.
“Douglas is tough, he trains hard and can fight over four to six-rounders or more if necessary. He has good power and likes to brawl so his fights are entertaining.
“Hopefully, the challenger from Wewak (Wafi) can make it a good fight for the fans.”
Wafiwa said the bout would need corporate support in order to go ahead and said there was still a vacancy for a naming rights sponsor.
“We’re looking for a major sponsor who will also get the naming rights to the event.
“This sponsor would also be given the naming rights to all our shows in 2018.”
Individuals or companies interested in supporting the Feb 25 show can contact Wafiwa on 70066450.