Six fighters selected after heat 2

 By FRANKIY KAPIN

SIX fighters have been selected from heat two of the Ox & Palm Kickboxing Challenge last weekend at the Vunapope Diocesan hall in Kokopo. 

They will join with the rest of the team in Port Moresby in preparation for the June international encounter against fighters from Finland, India, Indonesia and Australia next month. 

The six are John Tomar, Ronny Matthew, Chris Mareve, Henry Bonat (East New Britain), Wilsie Willie and Jeffery Miriori (Autonomous region of Bougainville). 

PNG Kickboxing secretary-general Eddie Kavina said New Ireland, West New Britain and Manus did not turn up as expected.  

Kavina said the six would be part of the final 31 fighters on the under-card and 8-man division in the international bout. 

He said the selected fighters for the under-card division from ENB are Simon Andia, Ferdinand Henry, John Kitaun, Willie Dogi, Ben Samuel, Fabian Vari, Kolam David, Lawrence Tuvat, Michael Roboam, Henry Wafi, Bernard Matthew, Sylvester Pidian and Ludwig Bongas. From AROB are Schubert Matarei, Gabriel Anas and Ruben Towali. 

Kavina was pleased with the addition of four females; Annette Kora from Buka and Geraldine William, Vincencia Wanai and Rosaly ToVue from ENB. 

Kavina congratulated the fighters and challenged them to train hard and aim high; to remain in the 8-man finals and ultimately to be the last man standing. 

He also tanked Deputy Prime Minister Leo Dion for his support of K17,400 towards the tournament. 

Kavina also thanked Deputy Governor Boniface Setavo for officially opening the tournament. 

“Heat three of the 8-man will be in Lae next month followed by heat four in Goroka,” Kavina said.