Heat #2 "Kumite Last Man Standing" Kickboxing Showdown Ends on a High Note
- Press Release
- 59 minutes ago
- 3 min read
The second heat of the "Last Man Standing" series concluded successfully at the YC Hall in Goroka on Saturday, April 25th, 2026, marking a pivotal step in the evolution of professional kickboxing in Papua New Guinea.
Despite a lack of major corporate sponsorship and government backing, the PNG Kickboxing Federation (PNGKBF) continues to deliver high-impact results in youth development.
Organizing Committee Chairman and President of the Goroka Kickboxing Association, Kaupa Omena, expressed immense satisfaction with the turnout.
The event featured fierce competitors from across the MoMaSe and Highlands regions, including representatives from Morobe, Madang, Hela, Southern Highlands, Western Highlands, Jiwaka, Simbu, and host province Eastern Highlands.
"Hosting such an event is a significant challenge without a major sponsor," Chairman Omena said.
"However, through the support of the PNGKBF, EHP Sports Authority, and the management of the YC Hall, we successfully managed a full day of elite competition from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM."
President of the PNG Kickboxing Federation, Stanley Nandex, officially confirmed that this series is the definitive pathway for developing professional talent.
Following a rigorous elimination process, 25 fighters were selected to advance to the quarterfinals in Port Moresby on May 30th, with Nandex noting pride in the younger athletes.
"I was very impressed to see young, less-experienced fighters challenging and defeating senior national representatives," Nandex said.
“This is raw talent. Our focus is to fast-track these athletes into the professional ranks. Often, fighters spend two decades in the amateur ranks and are too old by the time they reach the pro level.
The Headhunter reflected on his own career, stating that he had reached the pro level late in his career.
"The peak period for a professional fighter is between 18 and 35 years old. That is the window for a sustainable career,” he said.
“I am thrilled that 80% of our selected fighters are aged between 18 and 27, ensuring a long and profitable future for the sport."
The success of the PNGKBF has already garnered international attention, with Nandex confirming that five fighters have received invitations from LJP Promotions and Powerplay Promotions in Melbourne, Australia.
“From 8-9 May 2026, the team is scheduled to depart for Australia, while another invitation received is scheduled for 23rd May in Naning City, China,” Nandex explained.
Mr. Nandex emphasized that professional kickboxing is not just a sport, but a viable career path that brings foreign currency into the country.
Despite being in existence for 30 years, Nandex expressed disappointment regarding the lack of partnership from the Ministry of Sports.
"We are doing this on our own. This is a massive investment in our youth and a creation of new jobs from nothing to something,” he said.
"It is time for the government to recognize professional sports as a sustainable industry. We can not reach our full potential without the state’s support."
The PNGKBF is now calling on the corporate community to partner with this premier sporting event. Opportunities are available for a naming rights sponsor for the remainder of the series, spanning from the quarterfinals on May 30th through to the grand final.
“I want to build a standardized platform through this concept, which is also practiced worldwide, to focus and strengthen our competition so we don’t have any excuses when we are invited to such high-profile events in Australia and China,” he said.
The following are the names of the selected fighters during Heat #2 of the Last Man Standing. The fighters have been divided into their respective divisions: Class A, Experienced Fighters; Class B, Intermediate Fighters; and Class C, Junior Fighters. The selected fighters will compete in the quarterfinals in May.
Branden Simbani - Class A, EHP (60kg)
Junior Alphonse - Class C, SHP (60kg)
Mike Kwiwa - Class B, Simbu (60kg)
Raymond James - Class B, WHP (60kg)
Chris Wangu - Class A, Morobe (60kg)
Junior Kai - Class B, SHP (60kg)
Norman Kawage - Class A, Simbu (65kg)
Sylvester Kundi - Class B, WHP (65kg)
Hawi Turi - Class B, EHP (65kg)
Donald Tumbo - Class B, WHP (65kg)
Jetei Pupio - Class C, SHP (65kg)
Kiale Kua - Class C, Simbu (65kg)
Adam Pukma - Class C, Simbu (65kg)
Ali Tony - Class A, SHP (65kg)
Joseph Amanah - Class A, EHP (70kg)
Bata Kai - Class A, SHP (70kg)
Sammy Stone - Class B, Morobe (70kg)
Samuel Wali - Class B, WHP (70kg)
Daniel Bruno - Class A, Simbu (70kg)
Akere Sewia - Class C, WHP (70kg)
Eddie Bowoku - Class C, EHP (75kg)
Enoch Yapoi - Class A, WHP (75kg)
Ape Eiyu - Class A, EHP (80kg)
Stanley Kaupa - Class C, EHP (56kg): He is a 15-year Junior Development fighter.
Comments