JACKSON Newman from Sopas in Enga was the last man standing in the 70kg weight division fight to walk away with first ever title belt in the category.
"This is the first ever belt in the country. I feel more excited and filled a lot of joy and enthusiasm."
The twenty-seven-year-old is not new to the fighting scene, having grown up with a father who took part in taekwondo and elder brother who is a boxer.
"I was a little boy at the age of 6 when I went into kickboxing in 2013 and have taken part since, I have a record of 20 fights, won 16 and lost 4."
Newman said that he was trained by Paul Lare who is a boxing trainer and Skallar Bimbo who is a kickboxing trainer. He prepared for a month before travelling to compete in the Last Man Standing Tournament last Sunday at the Sir John Guise Indoor Stadium.
"I strongly believe that 1 will win this fight and I have actually won it, because I have trained hard and prepared well in this said tournament.
"My victory is offered to declare complete peace and normalcy in the Province.
Declaring that Enga has the potential in fighting sports, not only in battle fields.
My belt is awarded to my only son Emerald Jackson and the people of Enga because I came the hardest way to represent my Province through thick and thin.
My son will still carry the Enga flag and even fly the PNG flag higher as this was my greatest wish and I have made it happened on Sunday. I always fight in 70kg division.'
He also added that his aim is to be the World champion under 70kg division, and shared that he has competed in several national championships under 70kg division and won. "I am looking forward to defend my title and to move abroad if any opportunities knocks at my door."
Newman said he is now waiting for the second batch recruitment to RCPNG Training.
Story by Marcia Negri - Post Courier
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