Kickboxers to show off skills in Kokopo

 By JACK AMI

THE OX & Palm kickboxing elimination challenge tomorrow at the Vunapope Catholic Diocese Hall, in Kokopo, will be an eye opener for East New Britain.

The Ox & Palm Cup has prize money of K50,000 in a winner take it all chllenge and the champion securing a deal in Japan.

There is another K50,000 for  those on the undercards to be split among the winners and best fighters, who will be selected for challenges in Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand.

It is anticipated that this heat two will attract the best kickboxers from host centre East New Britain, the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, New Ireland, West New Britain and Manus, who all will want to qualify for the final event in Port Moresby.

Tough contenders are likely to come from Bougainville to test the talent of the other New Guinea Islands regional fighters.

East New Britain Governor Ereman Tobaining Junior’s support of K20,000 is a boost for sports development and talent identification in the province.

PNG Kickboxing Association chief executive Stanley Nandex commended Tobaining Junior for his support.

Nandex said all the winners from the respective regions would clash in a grand decider in Port Moresby later in the year.

Tickets for the Kokopo challenge cost ringside K100, adults K20 and children K15.