PNG Boxing Union Gearing for Kokoda Challenge Cup

The Papua New Guinea Boxing Union (PNGBU) announced last Thursday (April 10th) at the Lamana Hotel that the annual Kokoda Challenge Cup would be hosted on Saturday (April 19th) at the Gold Club Arena in Lamana Hotel, Port Moresby. 

Regular partner of PNGBU, Lamana Hotel in collaboration with National Finance, Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited (KMHL), and other minor sponsors, will be sponsoring the one-day event this Saturday. 

The annual Kokoda Challenge Cup tournament will feature five local bouts (three men & two women), followed by the main international fights comprising two females and seven males from Victoria. 

PNGBU President Dr. Gideon Kendino expressed his appreciation to the Lamana Hotel, KMHL, and National Finance for their sponsorship to host the KCC boxing tourney in the nation’s capital. 

“We are very thankful to Lamana for always supporting us and KMHL for backing us in the next four years, as well as National Finance for their support. We want to give credit to our sponsors because without them, nothing would be possible,” Dr. Kendino said. 

“Their continued support and backing has kept the code going every year. Through them (sponsors), our athletes were able to fly the flag of the country on the international stage with pride and honor.”

National Finance Senior Manager Monica Sariman stated that the finance company was happy to become one of the sponsors for the event, especially emphasizing women’s fighters. 

“Our involvement with the PNGBU is to promote female boxers. Boxing is a sport that not only promotes healthy living but also self-defense,” Sariman said. 

“Also, our sponsorship is part of giving back to the community, and it strengthens the relationship we have with PNGBU.”

President Kendino confirmed that the Oceania Championships had been postponed from June to September in Tahiti and the Commonwealth Games would be hosted next year in Glasgow, Scotland, with the Kokoda Cup Challenge acting as a lead-up event.