The Honiara Amateur Boxing Association (HABA) has officially kicked off boxing competition for this year over the weekend.
A total of 11 bouts were staged at the Multipurpose Hall to mark the commencement of the competition in the country after being revived late last year.
Quite a few fighters made their first debut in the ring over the weekend while others entered the ring again for the second, third and fourth times.
One of the main highlights of the night was the bout between Sam Ledi Junior of Fote Boxing club and Paul Kamoirere of Solmatic club.
Fresh from their last years’ experiences both fighters entered the ring with full of determination.
Junior on certain occasion forced Kamoirere to be vigilant.
The three rounds by three minutes bout began with a flurry of combination punches from Junior to unsettle his opponent.
Despite being flooded with powerful strikes, Kamoirere kept his mantle and popped in and out but was kept in check by Junior’s powerful punches from time to time.
However just before the final round ended Kamoirere could not withstand his aggressive opponent as a result referee have to intervene and awarded a TKO victory for Junior.
Other fighters who also won their bouts on TKO decisions are Willie Walasi of Fote Boxing club to Solmatic’s Abraham Manimu and Jackson Natei of Solmatic to Hatanga’s Willy Henry Daniel.
Boxers who won on split points are Cliffton Siofa of Solmatic and Henry Kia of SINU while Junior Lukisi won his bout against Alton Beti on RSC decision.
Four fighters who were also scheduled to have their bouts were not turn up due to unknown reasons.
Meanwhile local mad boxing fans and expatriates who were present on the show really enjoyed the bouts, however they were also disappointed when those who supposed to fight did not turn up.
Next bout will be staged in two weeks’ time.
By CROFTON UTUKANA
