Local boys set for kickboxing titles

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By KEVIN TEME

FOR the first time in 10 years, Momei Oval in Mendi, Southern Highlands, will host the national kickboxing titles.
A similar event was held at the Tente Oval when Papua New Guinea’s world champion Stanley ‘The Headhunter’ Nandex took centre staged against his Australian opponent in the late 1990s.
However, the event next month will witness kickboxers battling for top spots rankings in PNG.
Hosts, Mendi, will be boasting of Maxi “The Black Thunder” Kanea and Adams Terry, the son of a very prominent martial arts grand master Terry Han.
Kanea had won gold for Team Southern Highlands in last year’s PNG Games in Port Moresby when kickboxing was introduced for the first time.
Terry, on the other hand, dreams of becoming like his father and is keen to be world champion in the martial art.
Although both fighters based in Port Moresby, they will represent Mendi.
Other fighters representing Mendi are Nisa Wallis, Joe Eleku, Mack Brian and Adams brother, Marist.
Kanea, who featured well in his last six fights, has been training hard for the tournament which kicks off on Dec 18-30.
PNG Kickboxing president and chief instructor Nandex, who confirmed the dates, said he was expecting a huge turnout for the event.
Kanea will be fighting under the 74kg weight category while Terry under the 69kg weight division.
The fighters are appealing for funds to enable them to participate at the tournament.
Those wishing to assist should contact Kanea and Terry on 7374-6284 and 7204-6969 respectively.