Gonopa, Nauni face off

Female fighters do battle in kickboxing title bout

TONIGHT’s World Kickboxing Federation super welterweight title fight between Jessy Gonopa and Jocelyn Nauni will be the highlight of the Papua New Guinea Kickboxing Female League’s first event.
Prime Minister James Marape is expected to turn out for the programme as Gonopa, training out of the Headhunters Gym, and Team Flash’s Nauni face off over six two-minute rounds at the Sports Inn in Port Moresby.
The winner takes on an Austrian fighter for the WKF intercontinental title.
This will be history in the making as the league is an independent organisation associated with PNG Kickboxing Federation, which is headed by president Stanley Nandex.Gonopa (71kg) and Nauni (68.5kg) have had good preparations, with both fighters looking to get on the front foot from the get-go.
The pair are experienced fighters at the national level and it will not be an easy bout as they look to go the distance. Gonopa said she was looking forward to the fight.
“I respect my opponent but I’m confident of doing well,” she said.
Team Flash promoter and owner Lee Henry Garap said Nauni was looking forward to the challenge after months of preparation.
“Both fighters will be desperate to win the title to add another highlight to their kickboxing careers,” he said.
Starting of the night will be female fighters from Southern Highlands, Chimbu, Headhunters Gym and Team Flash. Male fighters are also expected to face off in supporting bouts.