Jiwaka set for a kick at titles

By HENRY MORABANG
THE national kickboxing tournament in Jiwaka, Western Highlands will go ahead this weekend after it was deferred two times this year.
The PNG Kickboxing Association (PNGKBA) national coordinator Micah Oki said recently that preparations were on target for the event which would be held at the Minj Rugby League Oval.
He added that the tournament was deferred last Friday to pay respect to the late Joe Mek Teine who was a great follower and sponsor of kickboxing in Chimbu and the highlands region.
PNGKBA president for the highlands region Francis Kul said participants from the highlands, Momase and New Guinea Islands started arriving yesterday for the three-day event.
Anglimp-South Waghi MP Jamie Maxtone Graham, who is sponsoring the event, said his administration was honoured to host the event in Minj, which was expected to draw more than 5,000 people.
Team Gobe comprising 40 fighters from Yanguri, Sembirigi, Marorogo and Erave are travelling today while 16 participants from Tari will be competing for the first time in the championship.
Kul said the event had attracted more than 300 fighters and organisers are optimistic that arrangements for accommodation and other logistics were in order.
The people of Jiwaka are looking forward to the showdown.
Homegrown icon Alfred “The White Shark” Samuel will take on Johnathan Tuhu for the PNG lightweight title while Bonny “The Terminator” Louis will be up against Timmy “The Kid” Unda in the PNG heavyweight division.
The event has attracted 80 fighters from Chimbu, Mendi 40, Gobe 40 and Jiwaka 60.