PNG Boxing Union released its boxing calendar for 2023-2024 following a number of major tournaments and championships that will be hosted next year before the Olympic Games in 2024.
President of PNG Boxing, Dr. Gideon Kendino officially made the announcement in Port Moresby this week, stating that the programs will officially begin in February starting with the launching of PNGBU five year Corporate Plan Launch that will take place in that month.
Kendino highlighted a number of major events in which PNG Boxing Union will be taking part in including the Oceania Youth Championships in February, PNG National Championships in April, Oceania Senior Boxing Championships in June, Melanesian Cup Tournament in July to August and the Pacific Games in November to December.
In preparation towards these events, Kendino said their aim now is to create more professional boxers who will represent the country and to win at least any color medals in the upcoming Olympics in 2024.
“As per our preparations now, Boxing Union needs full time athletes, coaches and trainers who will deliver the best. We have to work towards being more professional in what we do and by doing so we must follow our mission which is “Growth in Boxing”.
”Kendino explained that the union’s mission is branched out in three groups which are strengthening clubs and Associations, secondly, making sure that all coaches, and referees are trained well according to the International Boxing Association’s standard in which PNG Boxing Union operates under, and finally, to involve more women in the sport of boxing; which the boxing union are now collaborating with schools and communities to involve more young women.
In order for the coaches and referees to be trained well in their field, Kendino announced that the union will be appointing two of each to attend the International Boxing Association (IBA) Star Course in Samoa.
“Once they have been accredited, they will then return to roll out their first program; that way, we can have more referees and coaches upskilling themselves on the latest IBA techniques in boxing.”
According to Kendino, IBA who hosted a number of professional tournaments throughout the year is pushing for more of amateur boxers to take up a professional role and that is to take part in the tournaments that IBA hosts in the future so that they can perform well come the major championships and tournaments.
“After attending the recent IBA meeting, we have discussed and have come up with a pathway for amateur boxers to become professional boxers without losing their amateur status.”
He further explained that these amateur boxers won’t lose their status as long as they fight in tournaments hosted by IBA. He also said that this was a good opportunity for the boxers at the same time to upskill themselves as they will be fighting internationally.
Kendino extended an invitation to other boxing companies such as Oceania Fight Promotions that they can join and fight under PNG Boxing Union as long as they fight under their rules.
He added that as long as they fight and perform to the best, they can be able to join in the National Championships which will take place in April next year. PNG Boxing Union will be working closely with PNG Sports Foundation to ensure that their target goal is reached and that’s for the boxers to train hard in order to take part in the tournaments and championships and to win a medal.