Kickboxing titles go for one more day

THE PNG Kickboxing National titles in Mendi will conclude today after organiser Stanley Nandex extended the three-day event into the fourth day.
“We’re having our semi-finals and finals in the different weight classes tomorrow.
“When you have 300-plus fighters it takes a while to complete things,” Nandex said from Mendi yesterday.
The former professional kickboxer and current president of the PNG Kickboxing Association said progress had been good since day one last Friday with hosts Mendi looking strong, having a majority of fighters in the semi-finals today.
Defending national champions Chimbu are second with the next highest number of fighters progressing through to the  eliminators.
“At the moment Mendi is looking strong with several of their fighters qualifying through to the semi-finals but Chimbu are in second and will probably take on the Mendis in the finals,” Nandex predicted.
The man dubbed the “Headhunter” was delighted with the crowds in attendance over the  three days estimating them to be “5,000-plus” and commending them for supporting the national titles.
“We’ve had great crowds at Momei Oval of 5,000-plus everyday since Friday and the great thing is that there have been a lot of families coming to watch the bouts.
“We’ve had well behaved crowds with 30 police personnel and local help employed.”
The event was opened on Friday by Imbongu MP Francis Awesa along with major sponsor representative Ian Chavis of Curtain Clough Joint Venture (CCJV).
Chavis his company was happy to work with the community by spnosring such events which would only inspire the youth.
In talking about the fights Nandex said there were several bouts which “stole the show” and entertained the crowd.
“Chimbu fighter Bonnie Louis won his heavyweight (90kg +) clash with Madang’s Jimmy Unda scoring a sensational stoppage win in two rounds.”
Louis, a normally cautious kickboxer, used his experience and power to stun Unda at the end of the first round with a spinning hook kick which connected flush to Unda’s head.
The brave Madang survived the round but could not continue at the bell for the second.
The other fighter to impress Nandex was Gobe native Kira Wienolu in the 60kg division who defeated Mendi’s Jonathan Tuhu on points in the semi-final.
He will face expereinced campaigner Dickson Dee of Port Moresby  in the final today.
Nandex said the finals format is an 8-man “last man standing” elimination arrangement similar to previous shows he has promoted.