Arthur James, a lone female kickboxing fighter from Eastern Highlands Province, has joined the 3 female fighters alongside 26 male kickboxers from other provinces to take part in the 2024 World Kickboxing Championship slated from November 18-22 in Alicante, Spain.
Coming from a non-sports family background, James did not have any interest in sports while growing up. However, there was a kickboxing event in Goroka in 2019, which she went to watch that tournament and took up an interest to pursue kickboxing.
It was a passion James picked up and never looked back when she stepped in the ring, winning 7 consecutive fights in various tournaments she participated in and remaining undefeated during her short career.
James is from a mixed parentage of Simbu and Southern Highlands, but she was born and raised in Eastern Highlands. Being the only athlete in the family, her family members have given their undivided support and blessing to her.
She enrolled at the Saint Joseph Vocational Training Center in Goroka, doing her first year and undertaking Electrical studies. It’s quite a challenge in balancing her studies and kickboxing career but she has managed it well, excelling in both fields.
The 21-year-old Simbu-Southern Highlands lass mentioned that it was going to be her international kickboxing debut on foreign soil, which makes her nervous but she is prepared to take the challenge head on.
“I’m nervous because it’s going to be my first international fight. There will be very good fighters attending the event, but I’ve trained well and have confidence in myself to give my best, and come back with a good result,” James said.
She has been preparing to participate in the world tournament for the last three months. The unbeaten home-grown product is looking forward to maintaining her perfect record and fare strongly in the women’s 70 kilogram division on the biggest stage.
With 30 fighters (26 men & 4 women) confirmed to leave for Spain next week Tuesday, November 12th, the PNG Kickboxing Federation will hold a Corporate Dinner tonight (November 6th) to raise some additional funds to meet the expenses of the fighters and officials.
Meanwhile, the Pacific Service Group has come on board to aid Arthur James with a sponsorship package worth around K10, 000. That funding allocation covers her travelling airfares for both ways, including accommodation, food, and other associated costs.
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