Calendar Year For PNG Boxing Union Looking Good

• President of PNG Boxing Union, Dr. Gideon Kendino and the General Secretary, Mr. Martin Liri.

At the media conference held at Lamana Conference Rooms yesterday, the 22nd of January, 2025, the President, Dr. Gideon Kendino and his administration announced both the 2025 Events Calendar and the partnership with the Lamana Hotel, marking the success of past events held at the said venue known to attract a good crowd for boxing events and recreation.

President of PNG Boxing Union, Dr. Gideon Kendino, expressed the need for more sponsorship support to cater the planned year and very much hinted on a telecommunications company that could ring the bell at ring-side for the coming PNG vs Australia Kokoda Cup event. But this event will be hosted as a major fundraiser event to cater the upcoming international events and administration costs.

However, pound for pound, the of major sponsor and naming rights partner, Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited still holds water with the five year partnership agreement which helps PNG Boxing Union’s activity schedule.

A major sentiment shared by President Kendino was improving the selection criteria, talent identification and the growth and development through the planned workshops earmarked for the four regions. Much of the effort will be in preparation for the 2027 Pacific Games to be held in Tahiti and serves as a development roadmap to get all in-house administration and events hosting up to expectation.

The World Men’s Boxing Championship to be held either in Azerbaijan or Italy are sanctioned events under the International Boxing Association and qualifications for this event depends on the performance at the Oceania event two months earlier. Prize monies are up for grabs for winning boxers who will be paid handsomely and potentially elevate the status of PNG Boxing and keen is the PNG Boxing Union administration on putting on the pro-boxing gloves.

Dr. Kendino was more hopeful of the women’s elite team outfit but did not rule out the chances for the men’s team and much of the selection decisions going to international meets rests highly on foreseeable performances against the type of opponents that are there in the Pacific ring. So there is much anticipation for the women to do well while pulling together a men’s team will be one that does not get cornered easily against the bigger and stronger Polynesian boxers who tend to win more match ups against PNG.

The Training Squad was also announced during the media conference and is as follows:

FEMALE

49kg – Koli Bali; 54kg – Quincy Kaevakore; 57kg – Milli Saul (Australian-based Boxer); 60kg – Flora Loga; 63kg – Petronella Nokenoke; 66kg – Sheila Yama; 70kg – Leontine Kevin; 81kg – Liranda Kidu.

MALE

49kg – David Ome; 51kg – Kainti Paul Oaike; 54kg – Bid Michael; 57kg – Allan Oaike; 60kg – Naki Saguba; 63kg – John Ume; 67kg – Fidelis Laia; 71kg – Simon Ori.

OFFICIALS

Head Coach – Mark Keto; Assistant Coaches – Jack Willie, Toksie Seteme and Joe Aufa; Team Manager – Martin Liri; Assistant Manager – Leonie Madgwick; Referee & Judge – Kazu Temu; Delegation Leader – Dr. Gideon Kendino (President).

Event Calendar 2025