Welterweight champ Boga asks for international fight after victory

PAPUA New Guinea welterweight champion Tom Boga maintained his clean local professional boxing record as he beat Xavier Mapai by way of knockout at the Sir John Guise Indoor Complex in Port Moresby on Wednesday.
The bout, which was supposed to go on for six three-minute rounds, lasted four rounds when Mapai retired from the fight.
Goroka-born Boga was the favourite going into the bout, however, Mapai fought valiantly over the four rounds.
Boga, who is also a former junior Papua New Guinea Kumul, told The National that it was another easy win for him.
He said it was about time Oceania Fight Promotions arranged an international fight for him.
“If you see my record in local professional boxing, I’ve won all my fights by way of knockout,” he said.
“I knew I was going to beat my opponent in this fight the way I did it because that’s my trademark.
“I’ve had enough fighting against local boxers.
“I can assure everyone that I am ready for a big international fight.
“I need to face a tougher opponent and the message I’m sending out through this win is, bring me a big fight.”
The 32-year-old said age was catching up, so he wanted an international match before winding down his boxing career.
“I feel that I am at my peak now,” Boga said.
“It’s time I step onto the international stage. Every day, we are aging and there will come a time when I might need to call it a day.
“I’m patiently waiting and hoping that Oceania Fight Promotions gives me a shot at an international fight.”