PAPUA New Guinea Boxing Union has named it elite train-on squad after revealing its annual calendar in Port Moresby Earlier this week.

President Dr. Gideon Kendino said one of the much-anticipated events will be the upcoming Kokoda Boxing Challenge in Port Moresby. Another significant event is the 2025 Oceania International Boxing Association (IBA) Senior Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championships set for Tahiti.

“Training has already started for the elite squad as we prepare to head into camp in February ahead of the Kokoda Boxing Challenge against an Australia team.”

“This will serve as a final selection for the Oceania Championships in Tahiti.”

He said a few changes were made on the squad list with new fighters earning their spots for a trial to make the final cut.

The team list also included two overseas female boxers with New Zealand based Sheila Yama named for the 66kg weight class and Australian based Mili Saul named in the 57kg division after her appearance at the national championship last month.

“There’s also about three or four fighters in the squad that haven’t had any opportunities to fight outside yet hence the Kokoda Challenge will be a great competition for them to test their ability.”

Kendino said funding has always been an issue for the Union however they are determined to meet the demands by raising funds and seeking further sponsorships apart from their sponsors to take the team over to Tahiti.

Meanwhile he said apart from these two events there were other major events they were looking forward to in the year.

The other events include; Regional Boxing Coaching and Referees workshops in the four regions, the National Boxing Championships and Annual General Meeting in Lae, Morobe and the PNG Games Talent ID for youth and juniors ahead of other major events next year.

Squad: Female: Goli Bali (49kg), Quincy Kavakore (54kg), Mili Saul (57kg)-Aus, Flora Loga (60kg), Petronella Nokenoke (63kg), Sheila Yama (66kg)-NZ, Leontine Kevin (70kg), Liranda Kidu (81kg)

Male: David Ome (49kg), Kainti Paul Oaike (51kg), Bid Michael (54kg), Allan Oaike (57kg), Naki Suguba (60kg), John Ume (63kg), Fidelis Laia (67kg), Simon Ori (71kg)