Tough 20 make semis

 TWENTY fighters have qualified for the semi-finals of the national kickboxing titles on November 30 in Lae.

Following this the grand final will  be December in Port Moresby 10 fighters remaining for the Ox & Palm-sponsored cup and K50,000 prize money on offer and a trip to Japan for a proffessional K1 tournament.

The quarter-finals were well attended and ended on a high note on Wednesday night in Port Moresby.

The Highlands region dominated the event with current World Kickboxing Federation Intercontinental champion Jeffery “The Iron” Daka advancing to the semi-finals.

The Highlanders won most of the divisions with newcomers from Enga and Hela complementing experienced fighters from Southern Highlands, Simbu and Goroka.

Daka, Nathan Joe, Bata Kai and Metako Lukio impressed in their wins.

 Southern region’s Jonathan Tuhu, John Ake, Jonathan Kerry and Gabriel Sam upstaged their more fancied rivals in Alex Worogop, Dickson Dii and Andrew Jimmy.

 Momase’s fighters displayed allround toughness and gave other regions good contests and will be like their chances when the semi-finals take place on their turf. 

New Guinea Islands did not make the quarter-finals as they arrived late.

Promoter and KB-1 Promotions chief executive officer Stanley Nandex said he was impressed with the performance and the outcome of the event.

He said the concept was a great initiative to promote and develop fighters.

“I am satisfied to see the class of techniques and skills displayed by each fighter and it’s not about who will go through to the semis or the  grand final,” Nandex said.

“It’s about identifying the talents and developing and improving their skills so that these fighters who have made it to the quarter-finals will also have the chance to make national squads that travel for international duties.”