By CHARIE DUMAVI
FILIPINO boxers are keen to continue their boxing blitz in Papua New Guinea after triumphing over local fighters in their inaugural international match held in Port Moresby.
In their first fight on international soil, Peter Estiller and Samson Agelou secured victories and expressed eagerness to receive another invitation to fight in PNG.
Agelou secured a split-point victory over PNG’s Kopi Mahuta, leaving Mahuta with bruises by the end of the match, while Estiller exhibited technical prowess by achieving a knockout against Joe Kara during the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) fight night, hosted under Oceania Fights Promotions (OFP) in Port Moresby.
The visiting fighters, who managed to speak a little English, said they are grateful for the opportunity to fight in PNG.
“If they invite me to fight here, I will come fight again,” Estiller said.
“I am very happy (and I) thank God for the strength to win this fight.
“Thanks to all my supporters here and in the Philippines.”
He was brutal in the main bout of the 12 nonstop boxing bouts, where he relentlessly pursued thundering punches that kept Kara cornered.
Mahuta, despite sustaining a cut above his right eyebrows in the second round, demonstrated resilience throughout the fight, ultimately losing in a split-point decision.
Agelou, who made his first international win, said he lost his first fight in Japan last year and to win this one is encouraging and he is happy to return to PNG.
“I hope to become champion one day and I hope they invite me again to come fight in PNG,” Agelou said.
“PNG people are nice.”
The boxers extended their appreciation to the Filipino community in Port Moresby and their supporters in the Philippines for their unwavering backing.
Mahuta, determined to improve and showcase a better performance in future events, acknowledged the experience gained from his first international fight and expressed his commitment to making his country proud.
He plans to enhance his skills and secure a victory in his next international outing, aiming to bring pride to PNG on the boxing stage.
Mahuta turned professional last year with his experience from representing Team PNG in the lightweight (48kg) division at the Pacific Games in Samoa.
He said this is his first international bout and he will make sure to win the next one if given the opportunity.
