PNG Kickboxers Prepare for Major Title Fights This Weekend at the Melbourne Pavilion

Two PNG kickboxers left for Melbourne, Australia, for an international kickboxing showdown at the Melbourne Pavilion on Saturday night, 18th October 2025. The fighters have been accompanied by PNG Kickboxing President Stanley Nandex, who is also the professional coach for the newly established club, the PNG Headhunters. 

So far, out of the three international fights this year, including the recent 13th September 2025 professional debut, the PNG Headhunters successfully won all three major events respectively and claimed two new world titles, which came from Jeffery Daka in the 78kg and Nelson Samson in the 84kg. 

President and coach for the PNG Headhunters, legendary Stanley Nandex, expressed that he was satisfied with the outcome of the results at the professional level.

“Winning is one thing, but creating an impact is another thing, and this goes with the results of how you win by decision or TKO. Most promoters want to engage the boys who have the knock-out power or record, and I think we are doing well for our professional journey," he said.  

He mentioned that these two fighters, Efe Eyu from Goroka in the 80kg and Allan Whity from NCDC in the 78kg, are new kickboxers who were just recently recruited to the professional level to compete for the first time. 

Nandex said he had more than 50 international and semi-professional fighters at the moment, but plans to start giving opportunities to every fighter to see where their talents and skills lie, so he can be able to prepare a good team of fighters who are prepared to meet the professional standard. 

The Headhunter noted that he aims to engage the fighters to the professional level where the real price is, highlighting that the opportunity has opened up after his fighters, Kondup Samson, who won in his two international matches, followed by Daniel Bruno, Jeffery Daka, and Ali Tonny, who all won on TKOs.  

“My career began with TKO both in amateur and professional fights. That's why I had an impact on the global stage. My advice to the fighters is to win by TKO because you can not be judged by score and point decisions hundred percent. The judges won’t be in our favor,” he said.  

He stressed that the 7 losses were only on points and one on TKO. Even though he knew he won 49 professional fights, he had 30 by TKOs, and left this simple advice to the fighters. 

“They must be spiritually, mentally, and physically fit, and acknowledging Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior is far more important than anything. We must seek the Kingdom of the Lord first, and the rest shall be added unto you,” he encouraged the fighters while quoting Matthew 6:33.

The team has settled in well in Melbourne and is preparing for the medical and registration with the Victorian Combat Authority Board today (16th October) and the official weigh-in for tomorrow.  

The team returns on Monday, 20th October, 2025, with Mr. Nandex thanking the promoter, Mr. Prince Bunjaku, and the LJP Promotions for meeting all their costs and expenses.  

Meanwhile, the event is expected to be live at: STREAMS.WWW.LIVESREEMS.COM.AU.