Boxing New Ireland is looking to become more competitive with the recent certifying of eight trainee referees and judges that underwent a week long training in Kavieng over Independence week. The trainings were conducted at Kaplaman by two certified technical trainers from Port Moresby including Chairman of PNG referee and Judge Union Joe Efi and Chairman for referee and judge for Hiri Boxing Association John Ono. The eight certified amateur boxing referee and Judges include Simon Kusunan, Kisojau Sapak, Pethro Ismael, Shelinah Rake, Anisa Wulau, Vois Benedict, Len Meli and Steven Torima. Efi said the training now allows New Ireland to host its own tournaments without having to fly in boxing referees and judges from Port Moresby to conduct matches. “Boxing is a very technical sport and you must have well trained referees and judges to oversee the matches because it can become fatal if the match is not supervised properly,” said Efi. He said unfortunately their still needs to be more training for boxing referees and judges throughout Papua New Guinea and until that happens technical expertise will still have to be flown in from Port Moresby to preside over matches. President of New Ireland Boxing Association Suga Ray expressed gratitude for the training which now allows for the association to draw up regular competitions in the province for the coming months. “ We are now looking forward to host National and International tournaments. In December we will have two female boxers coming from Australia while in April 2022 a Queensland team will be in the Province. And with the Kavieng Stadium officially opened we will be able host more local matches too,” said Mr Ray. Shelinah Rake who is also Deputy President of the Tikana LLG was one of two women that undertook the trainting. She was Greatful for the training after she was urged to to take it up by President of the New Ireland Boxing Association. “ For the first time in New Ireland there was a referees and judges training and this is a breakthrough for us because we have so many boxers but not enough technical officials,” said Rake. The other certified female referee and judge is Anisa Wulau from Kulangit village and a officer at the Tikana LLG. New Ireland’s boxers showcased their talent during the grand opening of the Kavieng Stadium on the 16th of September with the trained Referee’s and Judges also making their mark on the stage.