By FRANCIS RODNEY PULU
TUNA Bay Resort in Port Moresby has hosted a first ever one-day kickboxing competition this week.
The one-day tournament brought together two kickboxing clubs in Port Moresby, with 42 fighters competing in 21 bouts in their respective divisions.
Winners in each division walk away with medals and trophies presented by Tuna Bay Resort Manageress, Alpha Ame.
Tuna Bay Resort Owner and former Member for Mendi Open, Mr Michael Nali, was on the ground to officially welcome the fighters and open the tournament.
Nali, who is not new to supporting kickboxing competitions in his life, was surprised with the turnout of supporters and the fighters, even though hosting the fight was within a short notice and preparations after he was approached by renowned kickboxer, Max Kanea (Black Thunder).
“Max told me that he used to play and take part in such sport and he has interest in hosting a fight in my resort so I told him, it is okay,” said Nali.
“I was thinking the fight will include only five or six fighters but there are many who turned up to fight and that includes three or four girls.
“So, I am happy for making it happen and now we will see the fight,” he said.
Nali added that with the turnout of supporters and fighters, he is looking forward in supporting and hosting big tournaments in the future.
“From here we will host a bigger and better one and this is our trial and error but it turned out to be very good,” he said.
Nali said one thing that can mould and shape youths to be useful in the society is through sports and he congratulated Mr Kanea and the organisers for showing the interest to host the fight.
Kanea thanked Mr Nali and his support staff of Tuna Bay Resort for allowing the kickboxing tournament to be held at the resort.
While encouraging the fighters, the Black Thunder said the ring is like a holy place.
“When you want to come and fight in the ring you must be clean and if that is not the case then the outcome is either you can lose or even face the consequences of being hit or something,” Max said.
Renowned professional boxing fighter, Junior Raka, who turned up to help organise the fight encourage the fighters to be committed.
“My only advice to you guys is that boking event as this gives opportunity and it only happens once in a while,” Raka said.
“Good thing is that sports such as kickboxing can instil discipline in your life so take this privilege and stand firm with it,” he said.
The two boxing clubs that took part in the competition were Tokarara and Tuna Bay Kickboxing Clubs.
The tournament was organised by WKFPNGAO Bird of Paradise Promotion Inc, a legally registered kickboxing federation to showcase young fighters’ skills and talents.
