5 boxers in games squad

Five local boxers have been named in the Pacific Games training squad to prepare for the games in New Caledonia from August 27 to September 11.

The 5 boxers featured in last Thursdays fight night and as the Pacific Games draw nears the final squad of 2 to 4 boxers will be selected.

Cook Islands Amateur Boxing Association vice president Chris Manu announced to CI News Eddie Daniel from the Muri club, John Andrew from Arorangi, Bernard Okotai from Titikaveka, Osolei Hagai and Marcus Jack of the Mongoose club have been selected in the games training squad.

The team will now train under national boxing coach Tom Marsters.

Unfortunately for the local boxers the planned visit by Tahitian boxers has been cancelled as the Tahitian boxers are also preparing for the Pacific Games.

Manu explains that over the next weeks leading into the games, boxers have to be cautious as there is a concuss period where a boxer who suffers heavy blows to the head and becomes concussed must stand down for some 6 weeks before entering the ring again.

Despite the loss of what would have been great preparation bouts against the Tahitians Manu says that plans are still in progress for a two-day fight night during the Te Maeva Nui celebrations between the training squad boxers, club boxers from Rarotonga and budding boxers from the outer islands.

He says that the association will be encouraging the training squad to take part in the bouts even if it will only be exhibition matches to work on the boxers speed and techniques.

Its not like they need to get in the ring and knock their opponent out, says Manu.

The training squad boxers will also need to manage their weight as Manu explains that boxers for the Pacific Games are weighed a month out from the games and they will need to maintain that weight until the weigh in before their fight.

The boxing association will release more details on the Constitution fight nights as details are confirmed.