The Kumul Consolidated Holdings Limited (KCHL) sponsored Oceania Fight Promotion (OFP) hosted its one-day Pro-Boxing Tournament on Saturday night, September 14th, 2024, at the Sir John Guise Indoor Complex Stadium in Port Moresby.
A total of eleven fights were held, with nine local professional fights and one international bout. Of the eleven-undercut bouts, nine were male divisions and two were female categories.
Present at the occasion for an exhibition bout to promote the code were the former National Rugby league (NRL) players, Sam Thaiday and John Hopoate, as well as an international veteran boxing commentator, among other big name boxing figures.
The fighters rose to the challenge and delivered an entertaining and memorable night of boxing, showcasing their skills and lifting the spirits of the fans and fellow fighters alike.
Making his debut at the professional level, PNG’s two-time Olympian John Ume proved too strong against his opponent from Manus Richard Paul, and knocked him out in one minute and 34 seconds in the light welterweight division (63.5 kg).
In the main bout, PNG’s lightweight champion Raka Kauko Jnr exerted his dominance and knocked out his Indonesian opponent Ricky Manufoe in the second round.
Sam Thaiday and John Hopoate sparred in the final exhibition bout and concluded the event with a tie. The retired NRL legends entertained the crowd with their comical moves.
Both Thaiday and Hopoate were in Port Moresby to promote professional boxing in PNG, and make awareness of healthy living and good lifestyle.
Professional boxing has started in the nation’s capital and will gain traction in the coming years, inspiring many passionate Papua New Guinean boxers (both men & women) to pursue this combat sport and earn some money to sustain themselves.
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