Young and promising PNG Muay Thai fighter Joshua Lester has one goal set right now and has his sights on the Muay Thai World Title. The 19 year old is hoping to fight for a belt by the end of this year and hopes to continue fighting and training when he returns to PNG from his studies. Muay Thai, or sometimes referred to as ‘Thai boxing’, is a Martial Art and combat sport that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques known as the ‘art of eight limbs’ as it is characterized by the combined use of fists, elbows, knees and shins. Young Lester who comes from a mixed parentage of Milne Bay, Manus and Solomon Islands is the eldest sibling of two who attended the Mt Hagen International School and later graduated from the Port Moresby National High School in 2019. He is now currently studying Aircraft Engineering in Brisbane Australia. [caption id="attachment_7549" align="alignnone" width="444"] PNG's Joshua Lester in action during the Infliction fight series against Nicholas Talbot in Burleigh Heads, Gold coast, Australia. Picture Courtesy: Sharon Richardson Photography.[/caption] Under the coaching and guidance of Daniel Bell from the Ironfist Gym in Australia, Joshua joined the Muay Thai gym early last year but prior to that, he did a little bit of training at the Primal Fitness Gym located here in Port Moresby. “I had four fights so far since I joined Muay Thai and my recent fight was on the 10th of April, two fights last year and two fights this year." This aspiring PNG Muay Thai fighter so far has won three of his four matches. Joshua said that in the competition, there are two fighters, a referee, trainers, and most times you qualify when the coach deems you ready. Joshua is not the only Papua New Guinean taking part in Muay Thai, another aspiring fighter is Jonathan Tuhu who has fought all over the world and is one of Joshua’s greatest inspirations in this sport. Mr Lester has been training hard for his upcoming matches and his next fight is the ‘Allen Bell’ open match which is scheduled for the 8th of May this year. [caption id="attachment_7550" align="alignnone" width="483"] Joshua Lester defeats Maverick Day at the Mount Warren Indoor Sports Centre, Beenleigh, QLD, Australia. Picture courtesy: Adams A1 Photography[/caption]