Wild West Boxing Club at Hohola 4, Suksuk Iamana Street, which started a little over a year now has about 15 fighters who are actively involved in the kick-boxing sport.
Owner Mr Nelson Walen said it was his dream to change the mindset of young boys when he set up this club last year. Mr Walen who was a former rugby league player stated that in 2016 he switched sports when he injured his leg in rugby and took up kickboxing.
Whilst in kickboxing, he made it to the Pacific Games, Samoa to represent PNG in the Heavy weight category, however he never flew to Samoa due to personal issues, and instead continued take part in kickboxing.
Until recently, he registered a Security firm called, Durable Security Service Limited and with the establishment of his security firm he also came up with the idea that he needed young and strong boys who are well vested with skills of self-defence to operate his security firm. That was where the idea of creating a boxing club further developed.
“I want my clients to feel they are safe and their property is also safe when they know that my boys have martial arts background.”
“This is also a dream I always had, where I can provide employment and a kickboxing avenue for youth who love kickboxing to grow their career in sports and also be employed at the same time.”
He said Wild West Kick Boxing club started last year and they have already applied to IPA to be certified as a Kickboxing club but the process has taken time and they are still waiting to be registered. However this did not stop the club to continue their trainings and take part in competitions.
The recent Kokoda Show at Bomana CIS Hall last month saw 5 of his boys who won 5 different fights and only 2 lost, and this was a highlight for Wild West Club despite being a very young club Walen added.
“I could not be any prouder when five of my boys won the recent fights up at Bomama last month.”
“Currently we do not have any female train with us but we would love to have girls come and join the club.”
“Young women and girls or even those older who want to know kickboxing or just learn self-defence are most welcome to come and join Wild West Kickboxing Club located at Hohola 4”.
“With the rate of crime and violence against women and girls, it is important that they learn self-defence so they can later protect themselves.”
Walen further highlighted the meaning behind the club name as he said, “Wild West is often referred to people from Enga Province, especially Laiagam and places from Surunki to Porgera which is known for tribal fights and many youths have died because of these long going tribal conflicts.
“But instead of fighting and killing, I want boys from these areas to come join kickboxing, show case their talents and skills and travel places and have a better life in future.”
“I want youth from Enga especially Laiagam, Surunki and Porgera where tribal fights are common to drop the guns, stop killing, lift your fists and fight in a ring so they can have discipline, and better lives.”