Gonopa claims WKF title

JESSY Gonopa beat Jocelyn Nauni on a split-points decision in the World Kickboxing Federation (WKF) super welterweight title bout at Sports Inn in Port Moresby on Thursday.
It took the judges about 25 minutes to finalise the decision as the fight, which over six two-minute rounds, was close.
Gonopa was awarded the title by Australasian Homes Limited executive chairman Londe Kumane.
She will now look forward to an intercontinental fight in Kimbe later this year.
The evenly-contested affair had the judges score card favouring Gonopa.
Both opponents had the crowd on their toes as they came out firing on all cylinders in the Jamuga Stone-refereed bout.
Nauni was hitting hard but Gonopa kept her cool and dodged her opponent’s punches.
Gonopa said before the bout that she was confident of winning.
“I prepared well and kept up the momentum,” she said.
“I refused to give in to my opponent.
“Every time I stepped forward, I was confident that I’d overcome my opponent.
“I knew I was going to win but congratulate my opponent for putting up a good fight.
The event was supported by major sponsor Australasian Homes, Lae Biscuit Company, Institute of Business Studies University, Sports Inn and others.