PAPUA New Guinea’s boxing squad is undergoing its final preparation before departing for the Gold Coast, Australia, next week.
Papua New Guinea Amateur Boxing Union president John Avira said the team is under the care of local coach Joe Aufa. Aufa said they were training at the High Performance Centre at 4-Mile in preparation for Gold Coast camp. All the boxers are in good shape and ready to train hard to win medals for the country when they take to the ring at the Pacific Games in July. The only survivor of the last Games in Noumea, Tom Boga, will lead the team as captain. Incumbent PNG boxing tournament director Dick Larry praised Boga for his consistency which had earned him the spot to represent PNG for the second consecutive Games. Larry said Boga had been consistent all throughout the year. “His form is spot on and he is expected to win a medal for the country,” Larry said. Boga, who will fight in the 64kg division, will have strong challenges from Tahiti and Samoa fighters. He is the only seasoned boxer while the rest of the squad will be making their debut at the Games. All the male positions are filled except for 56kg, 60kg and 91kg+ which will be contested by members of the training squad. Bougainville fighter Jonathan Lawas will fight with Beipu Noki for the 56kg spot, while Thaddeus Katua will take on Tony Oaike in the 60kg division. Leo Kondai and Billy Torea will fight for the only available 91kg+ spot. In the female division, there are only three divisions which will be contested during the Pacific Games — 51kg, 60kg and 75kg. Laizani Soma, Manuela Lamberth and Raphaela Kaore will take on each other to see who wins the 60kg spot while Debbie Kaore will take on Christine Ikupu for the 75kg position. Men’s: Charlie Keama (49kg), Lui Magaiva (52kg), Jonathon Lawas (56kg), Beipu Noki (56kg), Thadeus Katua (60kg), Tony Oaike (60kg), Tom Boga (64kg), Andrew Aisaga (69kg), Robert Gabriel (75kg), Jonathon Keama (81kg), Lukas Wakore (91kg), Leo Kondai (91kg+) and Billy Torea (91kg+) Women’s: Philo Magaiva (51kg), Laizani Soma (60kg), Manuela Lamberth (60kg), Raphaela Kaore (60kg), Debbie Kaore 75kg) and Christine Ikupu (75kg).
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