The great man Martin Beni put Papua New Guinea's boxing on the map back in the 1970's when he was successful against many of Australia's best fighters. Beni went on to beat an Australian and Commonwealth Lightweight champion, and at his peak, was rated in the top 30 fighters in the world at that weight.

On Sunday October 23rd, Junior Kauko Raka continues the PNG proud tradition of love of sports and boxing, when he takes on a formidable task in the shape of Mark John Yap. The Journeyman is one of the Philippines best, with 30 professional wins and 3 OPBF titles on his resume.

Says Raka on the topic of national hero Martin Beni:

"Martin lived his life around the boxing ring and while it was shocking and sad to see him pass in front of us; he was someone that remained true to the sport all the way to his last day.

When I joined boxing, I would always hear stories of Martin Beni and how he fought some of the best fighters in Australia and I’m so honoured to have met and worked alongside him.

I grew as a boxer with Martin ever since I started as an amateur in 2009.

There was a lot of struggle with boxing when I joined but despite all the politics and issues with who was in charge of the sport, he always remained true to the sport.

Before I turned professional, he would come around for some of my fights and talk to me and give me advice on what I was doing wrong.

One thing that I would always remember him by was his belief in me.

I made him a promise that I would win an internationally recognised title. I came close to fulfilling that promise but it wasn’t to be. I will keep pursuing that promise with the time I have left in my career."

Junior Kauko Raka v Mark John Yap

8 rounds  Super Featherweight 130lb

BATTLEFIELD UKC TIGER 2O22

Elorde Sports Centre Paranaque Manila

Sunday October 23rd