Solomon boxer selected from Oceania to train in Italy

The controlling body of world amateur boxing, AIBA, has confirmed six Oceania boxers, including a Solomon Islander, to represent the Oceania Boxing Confederation (OCBC) in a programme called “Road to Milan” in Italy later this year.

Flyweight (51kg) Benedict Televai of the Solomon Islands will join Light flyweight (48kg) Lui Magaiva of Papua New Guinea, bantamweight (54kg) Sinapapa Leao of Samoa, lightweight (60kg) Lacalevu Mitieli of Fiji, middleweight (75kg) Alema Vaele of American Samoa and Naruan heavyweight (91kg) Jake Ageidu for the trip to Italy for the two-week training programme in Italy.

When endorsing the Oceania reps, AIBA chairman Dr Chin Kuo Wu said the programme targeted the less developed countries in terms of training facilities, funds, high-level competitions, coaching and other technical aspects in their boxing development.

“In this regard, AIBA will cover their economy class airline tickets, full coverage during the two weeks of training camp in Assisi, Italy, coverage of hotel rooms and meals for the period of the World AIBA Boxing Championships from Aug 27-Sept 13 in Milan, and supply of Adidas boxing competition uniforms and boxing gear (gloves and head gear),” Dr Wu said.

The six boxers will be accompanied by coaches Vitale Ah Chong of Samoa and Ratu Paulisa of Fiji.

The coaches’ attendance was also endorsed by AIBA to accompany Oceania’s boxers.

The eight-man contingent from Oceania was selected by the OCBC president and current PNG Amateur Boxing Union stalwart Lohial Nuau, and forwarded to Dr Wu for his final approval.

Source: The National