Amateur boxer Raymond Wal defeated Papua New Guinea international fighter Ali Tony in the 65kg division at the Last Man Standing tournament in Port Moresby on Sunday.
The victory secured Wal a spot in the upcoming December semi-finals.
The event, held at the Taurama Aquatic Centre, featured 40 fighters across five divisions competing in approximately 80 bouts.
Prime Minister James Marape and New Ireland Governor Byron Chan pledged a combined K50,000 to support the sport.
Wal, a 26-year-old fighter from the Maikuna team, entered the competition to test his abilities in a new combat sport after winning his opening bout in Goroka.
He noted that facing an experienced international athlete provided valuable ring lessons.
"Ali competed in the World Championships last year and defeated his international opponent, so I have a lot of respect for him despite winning our fight," said Wal.
The victory extended Wal's undefeated streak in the tournament as he begins training preparations for the next stage.
"I learnt a lot from that fight.
Facing him and defeating him in the Last Man Standing is truly amazing, and gives me motivation to prepare the right way for the semi-finals in December," he added.
Selection Platform for International Opportunities
Papua New Guinea Kickboxing Federation president Stanley Nandex stated that the tournament functions as a selection platform to identify elite talent for international opportunities.
Five confirmed overseas bouts in Japan, China, and Australia will follow the December 10 grand finals.
"We can already see some good potential and talents being identified," said Nandex.
Nandex explained that the tournament format aims to elevate local athletic standards and establish pathways for regional competitors who often face limited training facilities.
"The federation believes the competition will create greater exposure for our local athletes and provide opportunities to test themselves internationally," he said.
The federation aims to ensure national team selections from 2027 onward are based strictly on competitive performance rather than past reputation.
"As the road to the finals continues, fighters now know that every performance could become a ticket to represent our country beyond its borders," Nandex added.
According to tournament organizers, the high-performance pathway drew athletes from eight centers across the country. "This concept is more than a tournament.
It is a new high-performance pathway created to produce and also help us identify the country's best fighters," said Nandex.
Federation officials believe the long-term vision will solidify combat sports development in the nation.
"This is one of the first platforms that we are creating to really get the best out of the best," Nandex concluded.
