By GABRIEL KATUHO
Samson Joe from Mendi, Southern Highlands province stole the show yesterday under 70kg division after knocking down his opponent several times in all three rounds during the Last Man Standing tournament at the Taurama Aquatics Center in Port Moresby.
During the media interview yesterday, Joe gave a brief background of his Kickboxing journey and what inspired him to join the sport.
“I took part in the elimination round in Goroka Eastern Highlands province and was selected to participate in the Last Men Standing tournament in Port Moresby,” he said.
Joe is 19 years old and is doing grade eight at North Mendi primary School in Southern Highlands province.
Inspired by the Head Hunter-Stanley Nandex, Joe’s dream of representing the country began in 2024 and this year marks his two years in the sport, yet his future looks bright with his performance in the quarter finals of Last Man Standing in Port Moresby.
This is his first time to participate in the tournament and he had stunned the audience and the judges after putting up an exceptional performance by knocking his opponent several time in all the three rounds in the bout.
His kicks resonated those of Head Hunter while he was in his prime days fighting oversea. He stood firm in the ring, knew when and where to lend his strike with precision that never missed his opponent.
He fought in the evening hours of Sunday after the whole day event, however his fight was different, and the techniques was top notch which stole the show. The fight was entertaining and interesting as the young fighter displayed his artwork and skills.
Young Joe was among several new fighters who have gained recognition from the PNG Kickboxing Federation president, Stanley Nandex who watched their fight at the elimination round in Goroka Eastern Highlands Province earlier this year.
During the presentation yesterday, Joe received the gold medal for winning the 70kg division and cup for the most improved fighter.
Nandex while presenting the special awards, stated that he had never seen such an amazing fights for years which the young fighters have displayed.
Joes was also one of the four fighters from Southern Highlands province who won gold medals while two collected silver medals.