Stanley Nandex

PNG kickboxers shine in Miami fight stage

PNG female kickboxer, Manella Kambar won her 70kg division bout during the International Kickboxing championships over the weekend against an opponent from Argentina at North Miami State town hall.

Kambar is one of three PNG female kickboxers making a name at the international scene. First was Kepi Kena from Morobe, who had won a bronze medal at the WKA World Championships in Rome, Italy in 2002 and Jessy Gonopa Kaima who won the WKF international title belt in 2018 in Port Moresby.

Nandex’s selfless act

The kickboxers are travelling to Miami, Florida, United States of America to participate in an international championship challenge, and need enough extra funds to make the trip.   

At the PNG Kickboxing Federation corporate dinner held on Thursday, 3rd of August 2023, at the Dynasty Restaurant in Port Moresby, the retired PNG kickboxer, Nandex, ‘The Head Hunter’, auctioned the International Light Heavy Weight Tile Belt.

PNG fighters need international exposure

Speaking to the press and the members of the PNG Kickboxing Federation (PNGKF), this week, Nandex as president and promotor for PNG kickboxing, is preparing a team for international exposure. He is confident that his fighters will do well in the upcoming event.

Nandex said the invitation to fight in such a high profile fights like in the US is a perfect timing PNG kickboxers cannot miss.

“We are spending so much of resources, time and energy to compete in our region which is not providing any opportunity for them to excel in their particular sport they love,” he said.

PNG kickboxing regroup

The momentum is picking up in Port Moresby as the PNG Kickboxing Federations kicks in a couple of fights to bring back the biff.

Retired PNG champion kickboxer and former world champion, Stanley Nandex and team at the Federation are getting in tune with its kickboxers to participate at the Southern regional championship slated for March 24 and 25.

Over 80 fighters are getting into the grind for the fights set to reignite kickboxing’s former glory.

Kickboxing Needs Support

He said in the past the Federation had to host national events to help generate funds to help support its programs.

Nandex said financial constraints has been one a major challenge, that it has not properly delivered its development programs and national events in the country.

According to Nandex, there are currently 21 provinces actively involved in the code, with around eight thousand members nationwide.

In Simbu alone, there are about two thousand fighters or members from participating schools.

World Kick Boxing Champs In Egypt

According to Nandex, the last time PNG attended a world Kick boxing championships was in 2002 in Italy, where he accompanied around 22 fighters.

After nearly two decades, PNG as a member nation to the World Kick Boxing Federation, is preparing the Egypt.

HELA Kickboxing Partnership

The partnership will pave way for a new pilot project under the theme “Building a safe and secure Hela Province,” whereby Kick boxing will be introduced into all the primary and secondary schools in Hela Province as part of the education curriculum.

Under this partnership, school children will learn the core values of discipline that can help change their mindsets and attitude towards all aspects of life.

PNG kickboxers miss World Championships

The team of 10 fighters mainly from Wabag, Enga Province was unable to travel due to the delay of issuing Visa and other additional cost needed.

The championship is scheduled to take place at Andria, Italy from November 7-13 attracting more than 50 countries which include PNG as a member country.

PNG Kickboxing Boxing Federation president Stanley Nandex said the lack of coordination of the code has affected major development and activities over the past four years.