PNG Boxing Union

President of PNG Boxing Union, Dr. Gideon Kendino made this appeal after his boxers were unable to participate at the Olympic Qualifying event in Italy on January 2024. 

He is also raising this concern as the junior boxers prepare to participate at the Oceania Junior and Boxing Championship in Tahiti later in the year.

Dr. Kendino said boxing has a successful record at regional and international events having represented PNG well, however is concerned that corporate houses have not come on board to sponsor, not even a single boxer.

“We are telling the corporate organisations that we are approaching that boxing is a sport that can give value for money as we are willing to include them in packages that provides great opportunities based on their specific needs,” said Kendino.

He said potential sponsors interested in joining the boxing team can contact him on 72955944 or email gkendino45@gmail.com for details.

Meanwhile, Kendino also announced the select squad for an international friendly against Fiji later this month on October 29 in Suva.

The squad:

Despite being run by voluntary administrators who rely very heavily on limited funding, the PNGBU under president, John Avira dominated the 2015 Pacific Games winning eight of the 13 gold medals on offer with all its boxers except one finishing as medallists.

The remaining four won either won silver or bronze.

Avira who retained his position at the Annual General Meeting in Kavieng last year now has a new executive who have vowed to not only build on that performance but develop programs that will take the sport to greater heights on the world stage.

President, John Avira said the four – Andrew Aisaga in the 69kg division, Charles Keama 52kg, Thadius Katua 60kg and Jonathan Keama 75kg had represented the country with pride.

 “Do not be discouraged by the results. You gave it your best shot against some of the best boxers in the world,” said Avira.

Avira said while the team didn’t qualify any boxers for the Rio Olympics, their campaign sent out a clear message that the region has to do some re-adjustments for the future if Oceania wants to be part of the Olympic Games.