Two PNG Kickboxers Thomas Kagili and Nelson Samson Wailo put up an extra ordinary challenge against their opponents over the weekend in North Miami State Town Hall, in Florida USA in the International Kickboxing Championship. Fighter Thomas Kagili nickname as the Spiderman was the first PNG male fighter who took on a 6 foot opponent, Mr Seyi Banjoko from UK. PNG Kick boxing President and Head Coach Stanley Nandex, The Head-hunter stated that Thomas took the fight with so much power punishing the opponent. “Thomas outclassed his opponent in the first round but the UK fighter came very strong in the 2nd and 3rd round, but Thomas maintained his defensive and combination of boxing and kickboxing techniques.” “Congratulations to Kagili who won the lightweight 63kg division with the height and ridge advantage that made him win in a score card or 30/27,” said Nandex. Nandex further stated that the main event of the event was between PNG Kick boxer Nelson Samson Wailo and a national hero in Miamim USA, Mr Ulises Fernandez in the 2 minutes by 4 rounds. “Nelson fought in the 73kg and in the first and second round, Nelson dominated the fight and became the crowds’ favourite”. “However, his opponent came back very strong with massive punches and combinations of kicking that stopped Nelson in the third round.” Nandex added that though Nelson lost the fight, he was the most electrifying fighter of the night with few Promoters having shown interest to put him on the next drawcard. “Am so impressed and proud of the fighters, particularly Thomas Kaligi and our only female fighter who both won fights in such a prestigious international kickboxing championship in the US”. Nandex said, seeing the PNG flags raised reminds him of his time representing the country as one person but he has a team of fighters continuing his legacy and flying the PNG. “A big thank you to special people particular who made this journey to fight in the US possible, the Governor of NCD Hon. Powes Parkop LLB and his Executive Officer Dr. Newton Albert, Minister for Sports and Higher education science and technology, Hon. Don Polye MP and his Chief executive Officer Mr. Albert Veretau, MRDC Augustine Mano, David Arterwal, all the business houses who attended the corporate dinner fundraiser.” “Special mention also to my hard-working team from the Female Kickboxing League president MS Lyn Pokam and the team, PNGKBF executives, senior fighters and members of the PNG Kickboxing Federation for the support given, as well as the PNG media.” Nandex added that all efforts and support given was not wasted because his fighters flew the PNG flag high in the United States winning two fights both in the women’s and men’s international championships.