SHP kickboxers seek financial support

The Southern Highlands Province Kickboxing Association (SHPKBA) appealed to the SHP Provincial Government’s support after impressing in the recently concluded Kumite “Last Man Standing” Quarterfinals tournament staged on Sunday, 28 June 2026, at Port Moresby’s Taurama Aquatic and Indoor Center.

A total of six fighters, including the coaching staff and team management, traveled to Port Moresby to participate in the newly introduced Last Man Standing series by the Papua New Guinea Kickboxing Federation (PNGKBF). 

The Naikos did not fly to the nation’s capital to make up the numbers. The kickboxers came on a mission and won four out of six bouts, making themselves, the sponsors, fans, and Southern Highlands proud.

Fighter-coach Ali Tony Takon explained that he had prepared the fighters for nearly two months, expressing excitement that their hard work had not gone to waste, with the majority securing victories.

“I trained the boys (fighters) for almost six months and brought them to Port Moresby to participate in the Last Man Standing tournament, and I’m happy that we won 4 fights and lost 2,” he said.

Takon, the current 66kg silver lightweight Oceania title holder, acknowledged the Southern Highlands Provincial Government and Mendi-Munhiu District Development Authority for sponsoring the team.  

“We want to carry the Southern Highlands flag in the ring, so we thank the support from the Southern Highlands Provincial Government and Mendi-Munhiu DDA under the leadership of William Powi and Raphael Tonpi,” he said.    

Takon thanked the PNG Kickboxing Federation, under the leadership of President Stanley Nandex, for hosting a successful and eventful tournament. He also congratulated the fighters and the clubs for their participation. 

He stressed the fighters need consistent support from the SHP provincial government, the Mendi-Munhui DDA, and business houses in Mendi to participate in the semifinals, scheduled for August 30th in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province.

“We appreciate the SHP provincial government and Mendi-Munhiu DDA for their support, which helped us in paying for our airfares to Port Moresby, but we need more support in our upcoming tournaments," he said.   

“With a good backing, I think it will motivate the boys to train hard to repay the sponsors in good faith and make SHP proud in the ring. We need strong financial support to make this dream of ours become a reality.”

The brawny fighter-coach revealed that the SHPKBA would work extra hard in the next couple of weeks to prepare themselves for the semifinals in August and the ultimate grand finale showdown in October.