Ume set for welterweight bout
Pacific boxing sensation John Ume returns to the ring on BX-9 Welterweight Championships tomorrow to face Dane Edge in the semi-final.
The fiery Papua New Guinean is expecting a strong challenge from his Christchurch opponent and says he is up to the challenge.
Ume goes into the match with a record of four wins in as many professional fights and an impressive amateur record from his days as a Papua New Guinea international representative, which includes two appearances at the Olympics.
Despite his boxing pedigree so far, Ume is not dropping his guards or turning a cheek to chance.
“Dane has the home ground advantage and a skillful background so he will be tough, but I’ve been working hard with my team and I am confident of coming out with a win,” Ume said.
Defeating Edge will earn Ume a ticket to the final with the chance to win a World Boxing Association title and NZ$14,000 [approximately K36,161] prize money. The other finalist will come from the match between Riley Allan from Fortitude Boxing in Australia, and Paul Tonga from Jackals Gym in Napier, New Zealand.
Winning, for Ume is not the only thing that has kept him going since turning professional in 2025. It is an opportunity to change his life, and start a better one for his young family.
“I’ve been walking the streets for most of my life as a boxer, and I want to change that for my family, and my son. I want him to have a better life than I had,” he said.
Whilst the Central native still has to dismantle Edge to get to the final, John is confident in his skills and his support team to get there.
“It’s not going to be easy. Dane is really good, I expect him to be strong, smart and very tough, so, I’ve been working hard with my team to be ready for him,” Ume said.
Ume has expressed his gratitude to the Bulli Boxing Team in New South Wales, Australia who have been preparing him for this bout.
“I am humbled to acknowledge each and everyone of you here. Without all the support from you all, I wouldn’t be living this dream,” Ume wrote on his official Facebook page before leaving for New Zealand this week.
He thanked his coaches, John Gilet, Peter Morrison, Adam Cheeko and the management team of Zenith SEM for the support.
“We have worked really hard in training for this particular opponent and our focus is on him only at the moment, we have a solid game-plan to combat what he will bring on Friday, he is tough, fit and willing and we are prepared for a battle,” coach Morrison said.
Ume said his last fight has also helped to prepare him for this Friday’s bout.
“My opponent then was very tough and gave me a good challenge. That helped me to see where I needed to improve or change as I prepare for the next fight,” Ume said.
The BX-9 Welterweight Championships is a major event in New Zealand and the PNG fighter is grateful and proud of the opportunity to contest in it. Ume didn’t realize how big the event was when he signed up for it early this year. The experience has changed him and shaped his approach and understanding of the sport.
Ume and Edge will toast gloves in fight number three on Friday night at Eventfinda Stadium in Auckland. The bout will be eight rounds by three minutes long, and will also be streamed online at www.csn.watch.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for sponsors and partners to be part of Ume’s team, and interested parties can contact his management for available packages.