Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, MP has officially welcomed the International Professional Boxers, Roldan Aldea, Mark Sales and the World Boxing Association (WBA) Asia Match to Papua New Guinea.
The team arrived on April 10 and are in 14-day quarantine at the Sanctuary Hotel in Port Moresby.
“I am delighted to welcome these young fighters; Roldan Aldea, Mark Sales and their team into the country, despite, COVID-19 restrictions and strict protocol measures imposed to secure best healthcare for all during their stay in our country,” PM Marape said.
“I understand from the Oceania Fight Promotions (OFP) management standpoint that the boxers and the international match officials will be placed in 14 days isolation at the Sanctuary Hotel and they will be closely monitored to see that they are taken good care of.”
The Prime Minister said after six days in isolation; these international delegates will be swabbed and tested for COVID-19 by the health authorities and a negative result will guarantee the Philippines’ fighters and team to socialize with the public, access public facilities and off course, box.
“This is a great opportunity for these young boxers to continue to raise and fly the boxing banner in both countries. In PNG, this can be a great way to continue the code of boxing in COVID-19 impacted areas of our two countries; PNG and the Philippines.
“This month’s tournament on 25 April, 2021, is part of the series of Boxing Tournaments that my Government and I have been supporting and will continue to do so because these add value and relevance to youth development in our country,” the Prime Minister said.
PM Marape has indicated that he will personally attend some of the bouts.