PNG Kickboxers impressive in Australia

Papua New Guinea's kickboxing scene gathered significant attention following a successful professional trial by a small team of three fighters at the Melbourne Pavilion in Australia last month.

The contingent, consisting of two male heavyweights and a 17-year-old female fighter, turned heads and impressed both kickboxing and boxing promoters in Australia.

The kickboxers were Kondup Samson Wailo [92kg], Mark Sondo [96kg], and Adasha Sumi [56kg].

The results saw Wailo setting a high standard by securing a knockout victory in the final round against his opponent, James Delis. Sumi faced a tough challenge against a more experienced opponent, Luana Sabani, ultimately winning her bout by a split decision on points.

Meanwhile Mark Sondo, an experienced international competitor, unfortunately sustained a knee injury prior to his fight and was unable to secure a win.

PNG Kickboxing Federation President Stanley Nandex applauded the performances of the three fighters describing all as exceptional at the professional level.

Following the event, Nandex received calls from promoters eager to feature the PNG fighters in upcoming Australian shows.

Building on this success, the PNG Kickboxing Federation received further invitations for events in Brisbane on August 15th and Sydney on July 5th.

The PNGKBF is now preparing to send a larger contingent of eight fighters, split between these two events.

The divisions represented will include 92kg, 81kg, 65kg, 70kg, 60kg, and 75kg.

Heavyweight standout Kondup Wailo is anticipated to be a prominent feature on the main card.