46-year-old World Kickboxing Champion Thomas Tagili aka ‘the Spiderman’, has received his long-awaited World Kickboxing Federation (WKF) Champion belt yesterday at Taurama Aquatic Centre, Port Moresby.

The WKF Champion belt was presented by the president of PNG Kickboxing Federation, Stanley Nandex and PNG Sports Foundation CEO, Micah James.

Tagili won a 63kg superlight match in Miami, Florida (USA) at the Amateur WKF Championships earlier this year and had only received a gold medal at the tournament. The championship belt was sent to PNG by the WKF this month.

Tagili from Chuave in Simbu Province, is also a 5 times National kickboxing champion, 6 times regional kickboxing champion and 2 times undefeated WKBF Muai Thai Champion. He is also the SP Sports awards male athlete of the Year in 2024. He joined kick boxing in 2000 and has been part of the sport for 26 years.

The Champion said he was happy to receive the belt, but he was not surprised as he had trained and worked hard for the fights.

“I am happy to receive the belt, but I am not surprised as I train hard and prepare every day for this. I am a 5- time national kickboxing champion record holder, and this win didn’t come as much of a surprise, but it was a blessing. I am blessed to have received the belt today.”

Tagili will defend his title in an upcoming international bout to be held in Port Moresby on December 3rd, 2026. He vowed to defend his title, adding that he was prepared for the challenge.

He also took this opportunity to urge youths that are not doing anything to join boxing as it teaches discipline and skills that would open better pathways.

Furthermore, he thanked his long-standing sponsors, the Pacific Corporate Security (PCS), for their endless support.

The PCS paraded Tagili into the building and unto the stage as he received his belt.