Louie gives up kickboxing title

By JAMES APA GUMUNO
THE new heavyweight kickboxing champion in the country is Bonnie Louie from Chimbu.
Louie known as the “Terminator” fought with Timmy Unda from Port Moresby in the main event of the three-day highlands kick boxing championship and national title fights held in Minj over the weekend.
The two professional fighters fought for the title vacated by former nine-time champion John Kwiwa who retired last year.
In a close bout Louie edged Unda by a point, 39-38.
Louie, however, surprised the crowd by offering his title to Unda after the decision was announced.
Although he would not say exactly why he handed his title to Unda, it is believed Louie opted to show true sportsmanship by giving up the heavyweight belt  because of the closeness of the contest.
Tournament organiser Stanely Nandex accepted the decision made by Louie.
Nandex said Louie would represent the country at a tournament later this month in Sydney, Australia.
In the PNG’s lightweight division, Jiwaka native Alfred Samuel representing Port Moresby knocked out Jonathan Tubu of Mendi to claim a gold medal and the title.
 In the 70kg men’s division, Nelson Tagi of Mendi defeated John Dama from Chimbu via unanimous points decision.
In the 60kg, Napi Max  of Tari proved too strong for Mendi’s Allan Yange knocking out the brave Southern Highlander for the title.
In the 59kg division, Junior Peter of Jiwaka stopped Kelly Peter of Chimbu.
The competition attracted both male and female fighters from the highlands as well as the  coastal centres.
The centres, which participated  were Port Moresby, Lae, Madang, Goroka, Mt Hagen, Southern Highlands, Hela, Chimbu and hosts Jiwaka.
According to the tournament doctor, seven fighters were treated at the Kudjip Nazerene Hospital following injuries sustained during the championship.
The event was sponsored by mobile operators Digicel and bemobile and PNGKA while Anglimp-South Waghi MP Jamie Maxtone-Graham made a committment to the tournament.