PNG Kickboxing Triumphs in Sydney, Afe Eyu Claims International Title

The Papua New Guinea Kickboxing Federation (PNGKBF) continued its run of international success last night at the Grand Vaudeville in Condell Park, Sydney, sanctioned under Glory  Kickboxing Australia. The event saw strong performances from the PNG contingent, highlighted by a title victory for rising star Afe Eyu.

In a highly anticipated bout, Afe Eyu delivered a commanding performance to win his fight and secure an international title. Eyu faced a tough title defender but proved too strong, dominating all three rounds. He secured the victory via a points decision, utilising powerful leg kicks to the body and legs combined with sharp boxing combinations that effectively weakened his opponent. 

Assistant coach Jordan Koni praised Eyu, stating he was "too strong for his opponent to claim the victory." He said the one and a half months of training in Australia, missing out on one of his fights in Melbourne in October 2025, was a good timeframe to prepare for this fight.  

In the second main event, Clinton Hanku  (67kg) fought a gruesome match against a local fighter, who was tipped to win the bout. Hanku arrived in Sydney on the day of the fight due to a late visa issue. He was stranded at Brisbane airport when the flight to Sydney was cancelled due to bad weather. He arrived in Sydney the day before his fight with medical checks, losing much energy and time before the fight. Despite this setback, Hanku took his opponent the distance but ultimately lost on points.

Assistant coach Koni noted the difficulty of fighting with a hostile home crowd, but commended Hanku for maintaining his position throughout the fight. Koni believes Hanku has "so much to offer" and could reach his full potential with further training in Australia. 

PNGKBF President and Head Coach Stanley Nandex did not attend the event, but watched the event via livestream and was "very impressed" with the fighters' performances. He congratulated both men, specifically commending Afe Eyu, on his victory in making the country proud and winning the international title. 

Nandex expressed that 2025 has been a successful year for the PNGKBF, boasting a 97% win rate in international fights so far. The next PNGKBF team is already gearing up for another major event scheduled for December 5, 2025, at the Bonnyrigg Sports Club in Liverpool, Sydney, NSW. This card is set to feature Heavyweight World Title Fights between Kondup Samson Wailo vs. Rastovic Milos, Mark Sondo vs. Rustam Attai and other International Title Fights for Norman Kawage (70kg), and Daniel Bruno (75kg).  

The federation also expressed disappointment over recent visa refusals that prevented two key athletes from competing - Nelson Samson Wailo (88kg), who was scheduled to fight Matt Stapleford for a world title, and female fighter, Drua Kombukon, whose visa was also reportedly refused after her female opponent pulled out at the last minute. 

President Nandex voiced strong frustration, stating that visa issues had become a major downfall for the athletes, leaving them under pressure. He urged authorities to reconsider the treatment of such sports athletes who represent their country, especially given the government's limited financial support for the sport of kickboxing. 

The Headhunter thanked Ultimax Security and the National Youth Development Authority (NYDA) for their support. As part of a partnership between PNGKBF and NYD, two executive directors will be accompanying the Kickboxing Team on 5th December 2025, in Sydney, Australia, with the team expected to depart on 2nd December 2025.  

Nandex said the team would attend another international kickboxing event in Melbourne, Australia, on 13th December 2025, as its final event for this year.