PNG Kickboxing Federation raises concerns on unauthorized bouts in New Zealand

The Papua New Guinea Kickboxing Federation (PNGKBF) has raised serious safety alarms following an unauthorized international event in Hamilton, New Zealand, over the weekend.

Federation President and Promoter Chief Stanley Nandex confirmed that two Papua New Guinean fighters—Kevin Kutato and Tyson Nop—competed under full Muaythai rules without the knowledge or approval of the official governing body, the PNGKBF. 

Kevin, who lost in the Last Man Standing semifinal, and Tyson never fought in kickboxing. Both were invited to the title fights without any ranking or proper qualification, which is described as a dangerous move and questions the organization's integrity.

The incident has thrown a spotlight on a growing, dangerous trend. A rogue promoter and self-funded fighters bypassing national governing bodies for overseas bouts, putting personal glory and quick matchmaking ahead of athlete safety and national sports integrity. 

According to PNGKBF President and Promoter Chief Stanley Nandex, fighters Kevin Kutato and Tyson Nop traveled to New Zealand to compete under full Muaythai rules without the knowledge, vetting, or approval of the official federation.

The consequences were immediate and severe. Neither fighter possessed the appropriate preparation or experience for muay-thai rules, which permit high-risk elbow and knee strikes. Furthermore, Nop had never fought in a kickboxing bout, yet was thrust straight into a high-stakes title fight after being hand-picked off the streets by former kickboxer and self-claimed promoter Alfred Samuel under the banner of Future Warriors Promotion.

With no official trainers or federation guides to assist them on their maiden international trip, both athletes suffered heavy knockouts, sustaining serious head and facial injuries. 

Chief Nandex did not mince words when addressing the reckless matchmaking: "The fight business is very tricky and dangerous, too. 

“Matchmaking must be done properly to ensure both fighters have comparable records before stepping into the ring.” 

He criticized promoters who push unprepared athletes into high-risk environments merely for easy wins or personal global recognition, warning that such actions bring embarrassment to the country rather than pride.

The unauthorized trip stands in stark contrast to the structured, rigorous professional development pathway currently overseen by the PNGKBF. The federation has spent the year executing the NGCB Last Man Standing concept, an exhaustive vetting and elimination process that has put over 200 fighters across the country through their paces. 

Only the top 20 fighters have earned their place to prepare for the upcoming Grand Final scheduled for November 15, 2026. From there, the top ten winners will advance to international challenges on December 10, 2026, setting the stage for legitimate international contracts in 2027.

Nandex emphasized that the federation is deliberately methodical, ensuring athletes are fully conditioned, medically cleared, and properly matched before stepping onto the global stage. 

"I am trying to bring a good result as a country, and not just a fight to lose," Nandex explained, noting that the athletes who partook in the New Zealand debacle were entirely outside the official national preparation pipeline. 

“In the wake of this weekend's events, the PNGKBF is issuing a strict warning to all local fighters, trainers, and promoters to respect the established protocols and work directly through the federation to secure proper clearances for any international bouts.” 

To permanently close the gaps that allow unregulated matchmaking and high-risk exploits to slip through the cracks, the federation is pushing for the immediate establishment of a centralized PNG Combat Sports Authority. This dedicated body would enforce strict ranking systems, mandatory medical qualifications, and unyielding safety protocols to ensure no fighter is ever again sent unprepared into a life-threatening situation.

“For the combat sports community in Papua New Guinea, the message is clear: true champions are built through discipline, patience, and adherence to the rules—not shortcuts that risk lives for a fleeting moment in the ring,” said Nandex.