The Sanctuary Hotel owner assures continued support for John Ume

The Sanctuary Hotel and Rapopo Plantation Resort owner, James Pang, assured the hotel’s continued sponsorship for promising professional boxer John Ume. 

Before leaving for New Zealand to fight in the BX-9 Welterweight Championship, The Sanctuary Hotel was the first business house to support Ume. 

The hotel’s timely support has boosted Ume’s morale, who flew to New Zealand and made the sponsor, his family, and PNG proud with a victory.

The Kairuku man from Central Province was crowned the BX-9 interim Welterweight Champion recently after knocking out his New Zealand opponent, Hamzy Perwaisy, in Auckland. 

Chief James Pang reassured “The Ring Monster” that for as long as he fights, the Sanctuary Hotel and Rapopo Plantation Resort will continue to support him. 

“We have been the only company to sponsor John Ume well before his fight in New Zealand, which he won impressively. We are very proud of John’s achievement,” Pang said.

“John needed a sponsor, and we went on board at the right time, and now he is a winner. I know John appreciates it. For his next fight, we’ll be here supporting him.

“With me, once I support someone, I’ll continue to support that person. He has my support forever. We don’t stop.” 

Ume expressed his gratitude to Mr. Pang, The Sanctuary Hotel, Rapopo Plantation Resort, and the staff for supporting his professional boxing journey. 

“On behalf of my family and the coaching staff, I would like to sincerely thank Chief Pang, The Sanctuary Hotel, and Rapopo Plantation Resort for their support,” he said. 

“Without their assistance, I don’t think I would make it this far. I’m so glad and humbled to receive their support.” 

The Sanctuary Hotel and Rapopo Plantation Resort not only support boxing but also various sports in the country, including rugby league, touch football, and kickboxing, amongst others.

For example, the hotel has been supporting the ENB Agmark Gurias for over a decade. The Gurias won the 2026 Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup after defeating the PRK Mendi Muruks in the grand final.   

Ume now shifts his focus to the ultimate prize. He will face off against Riley Allen in early February or March 2027 for a title fight.

While team sports get the spotlight all the time, the Central lad is making waves in the professional boxing arena and continues to put PNG on the world map.

John Ume, an amateur boxer who turned pro in 2024, rose to fame quickly and won five consecutive bouts. He has yet to taste defeat in professional boxing.