Yamo takes on tough Finn for WKF title

By JACK AMI

IT will be the biggest test for PNG’s local boy Rickson Yamo (pictured) to challenge one of the world’s best, Jarkko Jussila, at the Sports Inn tomorrow.

PNG Kickboxing Association chief executive Stanley Nandex was very disappointed that the International World Title fight would not be staged at the Sir John Guise Stadium which was booked to another organisation on the same day. 

Nandex said PNG Sports Foundation did not get their priorities right and recognise the significance of the inaugural high profile event in the country. 

The World Kickboxing Federation welterweight (64.5kg) international title is on the balance for the outright champion.

This is also the moment of truth for Yamo “The Powerhouse” who is predicted to rise to the occasion following the footsteps of retired world champion Nandex. 

It will not be easy for the other local fighters as they make their debut.

The Hela man will need to be competitve over 12 rounds (two minute rounds) against the high profiled Finnish, ring named the “Turbo Diesel”, because of his high workrate.

As international event all the fighters have prepared themselves for three months and all are in good shape to create some fireworks.

WKF world director & chief executive officer Fritz Exenberger and head of referee Gerald Dittrich arrived from Germany yesterday in PNG.

 Jussila, who stands at 184cm, is an imposing figure who won the intercontential title in Kampala, Uganda, recently.

Exenberger said Jussila is ranked one but Yamo had the home crowd advantage to back him all the way. Dittrich will be assisted by PNG’s only certified referee Jamuga Stone.

He said the PNG title winners will earn rights to fight in Europe, Asia and Pacific to be confirmed by PNGKBA promoter Nandex.

In other bouts India’s Paritosh will face Andy Sam for the middleweight (75kg), Indonesia’s Alfa Tubagus locks it up with Jonathan Tuhu in the super lightweight (62.3kg) Inter Contential Titles. 

Indonesia’s Eka Areka fights Kapa Omena for the flyweight (53.2kg) and Aussie’s Mello will go against Jeffrey Daka in the super middle welter (69kg) South Pacific titles.

Indonesian Tubagus said it was his first international debut and he was keen to learn form the experience in his five round fight. 

He said he has plans for two years for PNG fighters for fights in Indonesia.

All the international fighters align with Thunderlegs International promoter Robert Wilesmith and partner and cornerman Lina Wilesmith who arrived in the country on Wednesday. Jussila and Mellor arrive today.