Ume to make pro boxing debut

Two-time PNG Olympian John Ume will be making his professional boxing debut in the Oceania Fight Promotion’s September 14 boxing extravaganza in Port Moresby.

Ume, who has been PNG’s leading amateur boxer in the 63.5kg weight category for the past decade, will be involved in a supporting bout to the main spell, which has PNG’s leading pro boxer Junior Kauko Raka up against Indonesian Ricky Manufoe.

The 6x3 minute bout in the 60kg division is one of two international face-offs which will headline the fight night at the Sir John Guise Indoor Complex.

The other fight is an exhibition bout between former NRL rugby league greats Sam Thaiday and John Hopoate, both from Australia.

While Ume’s capacity is known in the amateur circles – his transition to the professional ranks will be a testing time as he faces his more experienced opponent Richard Paul, a boxer with several pro fights to his name.

As an amateur Ume is used to the mandatory 3x3 minute round bouts. In this professional bout – he will enter the 4 rounds of 3-minute bout to gauge how he can manage the challenges of pro boxing.

Ume, originally from Kivori in the Central Province, is confident he can make the transition to increased number of rounds and is training hard to ensure he is adequately prepared for his debut.

“I know professional boxing is not going to be easy but I want to start my career in the best possible way, so I am really looking forward to give this my best shot,” Ume said.

Another eight bouts involving other PNG boxers will complete an exciting fight card on the night.
However, the day will start around mid-day with a number of amateur bouts, involving PNG’s elite team as they gauge their forms against each other.

The boxing extravaganza is a culmination of some positive conversations between amateur boxing entity, PNG Boxing Union Inc and PNG’s leading pro boxing promoter OFP’s top executive Maryanne Millie.

Both organisations have decided to work together to provide much clearer pathways for young Papua New Guineans who are developed through the amateur ranks and later progress to the professional status where they can earn money for themselves.