Governor pledges money, NGI teams confirmed for kickboxing heat

 By JACK AMI

EAST New Britain Governor Ereman ToBaining Junior has pledged K20,000 to the organising committee of the Ox & Palm Kickboxing showdown at the Vunapope Catholic Diocese Hall, in Kokopo, on Saturday.

PNG Kickboxing Association secretary-general Eddie Kavina confirmed this yesterday.

Kavina said all the four provinces in the region – Manus, New Ireland, West New Britain and host East New Britain – had confirmed participation.

He said there would be only 10 fighters from each province to go through the elimination to select fighters who will represent the region for the K50,000 prize money.

Organising committee chairman Emanuel Laplap thanked Tobaining and his administration for the support.

 Laplap said kickboxing had won great interest in the region and they would ask PNGKBA’s Stanley Nandex to consider the region’s fighters for major events in the country and abroad.

He said the concept was good and he was looking forward to seeing the best of the best in the region being matched against the top fighters from Momase, the Highlands and Southern regions. 

Nandex thanked Tobaining and his administration for the funding.

He said selection would be based on strength, techniques, discipline and the standard of skills displayed in the ring. 

Heat three will be in Lae, Morobe, before it moves to Goroka for the Highlands regional event. 

Fighters, officials and representatives are required to contact the organising committee to confirm participation.