"Last Man Standing" Southern & NGI Regional Kickboxing Event Conclude on a High Note
- Press Release
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
The Papua New Guinea Kickboxing Federation (PNGKBF) has reached a historic milestone with the successful conclusion of the Southern and New Guinea Islands (NGI) Regional Heat 1 for the professional "Last Man Standing" tournament.
The event saw 70 amateur fighters successfully transition into the semi-professional and professional accredited ranks after a series of high-intensity bouts.
Over 300 to 400 passionate fans turned out to support the Last Man Standing event at Sir John Guise Stadium, with supporters screaming for their favorite fighters and witnessing the elevation of amateur fighters to the professional level.
“In the series of kickboxing using the K-1 Rule with knees, it was one of the outstanding events I have ever seen since my promotion, and I am overwhelmed by the skills and talents on display," said Nandex.
“It was amazing to see the juniors or inexperienced fighters taking on the international representatives to qualify them at the pro level.”
The PNG Kickboxing Federation President and the Oceania Kickboxing Federation General Secretary, Stanley Nandex, officially opened the event with a word of prayer and shared a few remarks.
President Nandex congratulated everyone, especially the coaches, trainers, and officials, for their time spent and the investment in raising their fighters to the professional level.
With little support from the government and business houses, the combat sport continues to perform well domestically and internationally.
“Though the federation did not receive any backing from the government in its development, we have committed our time and resources first before anyone comes on board,” Nandex said.
The selection process was overseen by a panel of martial arts icons, including Committee Chairman Stanley Nandex and Deputy Master Jamuga Stone, who bring a combined experience of over 80 years to the sport, as well as other international representatives, who provided oversight on the selection process.
In his closing remarks, Chief Nandex also congratulated the 25 selected fighters who survived the elimination rounds to qualify for the quarterfinals, emphasizing the "Last Man Standing" concept as a strategic bridge designed to elevate local talent from amateur status to the international professional stage.
"For over three decades, we have focused on gold, silver, and bronze at the amateur level," Nandex stated.
“It is time to break those barriers. We are creating a professional environment where fighters can finally earn revenue from their talents. It requires total discipline—not just in the ring, but in character and lifestyle.”
He added that more than 100 fighters will continue with the elimination process from quarter, semi, and grand final to select the cream of the top 5 fighters from 5 different weight divisions, including 60kg, 65, 70kg, 75kg, and 80kg, who will then market them to other international promoters and organizations.
“The fighters who got qualified in the elimination heat 1 will now go into the quarterfinal on the 30th of May 2026,” said Nandex.
“The Last Man Standing concept is also developed to focus more on the professional level and to strengthen its local platform to be standardized to meet international demand.”
Nandex further confirmed that more than six different organizations and promoters have already reached out to him to offer fight contracts.
“This platform will now produce professional fighters to export them out of the country,” the Headhunter said.
“This year, in early February and March, two separate teams went down to Melbourne and Sydney to compete, but unfortunately lost due to a lack of experience at the professional level.
“Therefore, we must focus on strengthening the pro level of our fighters so they can do well on the international level.”
PNG Kickboxing Federation has a few international fights coming up, with president Nandex and the selection committee working against time to prepare the squad.
“Currently, we are preparing a team to travel to Melbourne for a bout on May 9th at the Melbourne Pavilion,” he revealed.
“We also have an event in China’s Naning city on May 23rd at the Xixiang Stadium, and more invitations are coming.
“Our challenge is to equip our fighters to that level so they can do well, as it also offers a good financial return from each competition.”
The names of the selected fighters with their clubs and divisions from Heat 1 over the weekend are as follows:
Arunae Stanley Hanku (80kg) - NCD
David Kingston (80kg) - NCD
Billy Kevapo (80kg) - Central
Maxceen Jerry (80kg) - NCD
Spencer (75kg) - NCD
Jr Paul Gonopa (75kg) - NCD
Emmanuel Launeka (75kg) - Maguna
Jr Jocky Pablo (70kg) - NCD
Samson Kombukon (70kg) - NCD
Kevin Kutato (70kg) - NCD
Mcqueen Joe (70kg) - NCD
Dangstan Akome (70kg) - Maguna
Robert Issac (65kg) - NCD
Clinton Hanku (65kg) - NCD
Zecherah Wapa (65kg) - NCD
Steven Leo (65kg) - NCD
Remond Wal (65kg) - Maguna
Thomas Minda (60kg) - NCD
Jonny Sau (60kg) - Central
Malken Pais (60kg) - NCD
Jude Danny (60kg) - NCD
With the completion of heat 1, the federation now shifts its focus to Goroka for heat 2, covering the Highlands and Momase regions on 25 April 2026, this weekend.
Organizing Committee Chairman Kaupa Omena confirmed that preparations at the YWCA Hall in Goroka are complete, with over 100 fighters expected to arrive this week.
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