Willie off to King’s Cup

VETERAN PNG amateur boxer Jack Willie, a representative in the light flyweight (48kg) division, will once again carry PNG’s hopes at the 2010 King’s Cup tournament in Bangkok, Thailand, this week.
Willie, who also took part in last year’s event, advanced as far as the quarter-finals after beating a Vietnamese and a Cambodian opponent before losing to the hometown fighter.
The International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) sanctioned tournament attracts boxers from around the world who compete in the different weight classes.
The event is a good lead-up to other major world events like the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics.
Willie is expected to once again represent the country at this year’s Delhi Commonwealth Games and said that these types of preparation tournaments provide valuable ring experience against world class opposition.
The 29-year-old champion and his trainer Ricky Berua had a good fortune of receiving an eleventh-hour assistance from former NCD Governor and businessman Wari Vele to the tune of K18,940.
A delighted Berua said he had sought assistance from several companies and individuals and was glad that they had been able to help.
“This will be the second time Jack (Willie) is attending the Kings Cup and without the help of generous sponsors like Wari Vele, NCDC and Sir Puka Temu along with support from the local club where Jack trains we would not be able to attend such a high profile event,” Berua said.
The funds will go towards meeting travelling expenses, uniforms  and other essentials for the two-man team.