National Finance Backs National Boxing Championships with K54,000

The Papua New Guinea Boxing Union (PNGBU) received a major boost for its upcoming National Boxing Championships, with the National Finance coming on board to announce K54,000 sponsorship today (July 16) at its headquarters in Port Moresby.

National Finance has been supporting PNGBU for a few years. The financial institution first assisted boxing in the 2023 Kokoda Challenge Cup and the Pacific Games, continuing its support for the sport from 2023 to 2025.

Ten boxing associations across the country, with over 100 fighters featuring men and women, have confirmed their participation for the National Boxing Championships slated from July 24-26 in Morobe’s capital, Lae. 

This event will also include the PNGBU’s Annual General Meeting and a MOMASE Regional Coaching and Refereeing Workshop. The championships will serve as a selection event for the PNG squad heading to the Commonwealth Games. 

PNG Boxing Union President Dr. Gideon Kendino acknowledged the National Finance for its timely sponsorship, including the Morobe Provincial Government and Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited (KMHL). 

“First and foremost, I would like to thank the National Finance for the opportunity to sponsor us again in the 2025 National Boxing Championships scheduled in Lae from July 24-26,” President Kendino said.

“This particular sponsorship package is specifically to assist us in hosting the national championships. It will now officially be called the National Finance PNG Boxing Championships.

“We would also like to thank the other sponsors that pledged to assist us, such as the Morobe Provincial Government and our major sponsor for the next four years, the Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited, including other minor sponsors.”

While announcing the sponsorship, the National Finance General Manager, William Haylock, said: “Today, the National Finance is proud to officially announce our sponsorship of the 2025 PNG National Boxing Championships.

“We are honored to hold the naming rights to this year’s event, which will proudly be known as the National Finance PNG Boxing Championships 2025.

“The National Championships are the most important event in PNG Boxing. They bring together top fighters from across the country, give young boxers a national platform, and unite our communities through sports. This is where future champions are discovered and we are proud to make it happen.”

The K54,000 sponsorship from National Finance will cover the athletes’ travel, uniforms for judges and officials, and media promotion to give the event the exposure it deserves.