PNG Kickboxers face setback in Melbourne Pro Bout

One Papua New Guinean kickboxer suffered a defeat while another fighter was prevented from fighting during an international kickboxing showdown over the weekend (18th October) in Melbourne, Australia, under Prince Promotions. The outcome has been attributed in part to a last-minute change in fighting rules, according to the team's head coach. 

Of the two fighters selected, only Allan Whity was able to enter the ring. Whity was initially scheduled to fight under kickboxing rules but was forced to accept a switch to the K-1 rule, which incorporates holding and knee strikes. 

PNG Kickboxing Federation President and head coach, Stanley Nandex, expressed his frustration, noting that he was unable to appeal the rule change as it occurred just hours before Whity's fight. 

"My fighters are specialized in kickboxing and were looking forward to it, but due to the change of the rule, Allan couldn't do well, and he received a severe knee kick to his left ribcage in the second round,” Nandex explained.  

The Headhunter further stressed that while the defeat was not an excuse, the circumstances surrounding the bout were biased and partial, affecting the fighter to adjust to the sudden rule change.

"It's unfair when you have been preparing well and your style of fighting is different, but we had to accept and fight on different rules. All these little things make a difference. It's not how physically you've prepared, but it's mentally knowing your own strengths and techniques,” he stated.  

“This year, we have started well on our professional debut, winning three major international fights on knockouts, particularly in the recent Rest of the World versus PNG event, held in Port Moresby on the 13th of September 2025. We won 2x world titles and 3 other international titles from 10 bouts, but missed out on two main cards because the opponents did not show up.”   

In the 80kg division, PNG fighter Afe Eyu was unable to compete as his opponent was deemed unfit to fight on medical grounds. Nandex mentioned that Eyu was prepared for the fight, expressing disappointment that he couldn't take the ring. 

Despite the weekend's challenges, Nandex maintained a forward-looking perspective, saying: "After all, it's a learning curve for the fighters, and I hope they will do better next time." 

Eyu has remained in Melbourne to undergo further training with the Australian assistant coach, Bobby Giannitis, while Allan Whity returned to PNG on Monday (20th October).

The focus now shifts to the next international engagement, with coach Nandex confirming that a new team is currently preparing for a kickboxing event scheduled for 5th December 2025, at the Bonnyrigg Sports Club in Liverpool, Sydney, Australia. The final list of ten fighters for this event is expected to be announced this week. 

PC: Supplied