Allan Oaike gets his first victory in Pro-Boxing

Papua New Guinea boxer Allan Oaike has punched his way to his first victory in professional boxing on the weekend in Tamworth, Australia. 

Oaike, a top amateur boxer who is making the transition to pro boxing through the PNG Boxing Union pathways system, stopped his Australian opponent Tony Ingram, 1 minute 29 seconds into the 4th round of their 6x3 minute scheduled bout. 

The fight was organized by One2Boxing Westside Promotions. Oaike was accompanied by Kazu Temu as his manager and mentor, representing the PNG Boxing Union.

PNG Boxing Union President Dr. Gideon Kendino congratulated everyone involved in Oaike's preparation, also highlighting that they wanted to continue to give our boxers more opportunities like this going forward. 

This is the second victory by the team, which has developed the pathway system following on from John Ume's victory on the Gold Coast this year. 

The change in fortunes is like a 'breath of fresh air' following the numerous unsuccessful attempts by PNG boxers organized through the only single PNG Professional Boxing licensed Oceania Fight Promotions company. 

Promoters' licenses are issued by the PNG Professional Boxing Control Board, and many familiar with pro boxing don't understand why this is the only licensed entity promoting pro boxing in PNG. 

These two results demonstrate clearly that the Control Board chaired by Bernard Fong, with James Wong as his deputy, to reconsider other Papua New Guineans who are keen on helping more Papua New Guineans advance in pro boxing. 

PNG Boxing Union is now mandated by its new constitution to promote Professional Boxing and as such, is now matching boxers properly and ensuring they prepare well too – hence the improved results. 

Drawing the focus back to Saturday's fight, Kendino said such an outcome like this is quite encouraging and demonstrates that PNG boxers can be competitive against overseas opponents if matched correctly and prepared well.

Oaike's victory has provided potential opportunities for our boxers to be engaged in arrangements to live and train in Australia so that they can earn a regular income through jobs while waiting for their next pro fights. 

Conversations have kicked off, and President Kendino and the team are determined to turn these opportunities into reality.