Australian-based female boxer Mili ‘Mayhem’ Saul has claimed her first national title following her participation in the 2024 National Boxing Championships in Port Moresby from December 2-4 at the Taurama Aquatic and Indoor Center.
Representing the Misima Boxing Association, Saul dominated the Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited (KMHL) Women's 57kg division, facing opponents from Mekeo and Hiri-Koiari Amateur Boxing Associations.
“The level of boxing in the country is up there. It is of great standard and I am grateful I came back to compete and raise my hand for any PNG representation duties in the future,” Saul said.
Saul was born in Port Moresby to an English mum and Goodenough Island (Milne Bay) dad and spent 14 years of her life in Alotau town. She left for studies in Australia and has been residing there ever since.
A mum of two, Saul started boxing only four years ago and recorded 7 wins and 3 losses from her fights prior to the championship in NCD.
Currently coached by Glenn Azar, she has raised her hand to represent PNG and will grab that opportunity with both hands when it comes.
“We wanted to do this the right way and in order to follow that ideal goal to represent PNG, we had to meet the requirements; this included having a PNG passport, having a record of over 10 fights, and physically be here to compete in the championship,” she said.
Originally classed as a 54kg boxer, Saul said she had to move up to the 57kg category in the championship to allow fellow teammate from Misima and PNG elite boxer Angelyn Kadiu to compete in that category.
Saul and coach Azar extended their gratitude to the PNG Boxing Union for allowing them to train with the national team ahead of the championships, the Misima Boxing Association, and everyone who followed their journey since arriving in the country last week.
Saul and her coach returned home and will prepare for other bouts in Australia while waiting to confirm her status on the Team PNG trials for the 2025 Oceania Championships in Tahiti.
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