2 weeks Ago By Marcia Negri
FOLLOWING her triumph in the 2025 Kokoda Boxing Cup Challenge, Petronella Nokenoke said she has her sights set on the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Nokenoke who challenged Leontine Kevin in the 66kg weight division fight, was declared the winner on points. “I’m always prepared, my preparation is for the Commonwealth Games next year, my team manager Leonie Madgwick prepared all my training schedules starting from last year and it will continue till we get the best results we both wanted,” she said.
“To be honest fighting with my teammate (Leontine) is just like a sparring to me, if I fought with another female boxers than I can tell it’s a real fight for me, and I still had a good fight and enjoyed it.” Nokenoke who usually fights in the 63kg, had to go up 3 kilos to be paired with Kevin. “I found it a bit difficult in going up to her weight category and fighting with her, as my actual weight Is 63kg,” she said.
She said going into the ring, she knew it was her win and made it happened. “I already knew it was my win, but I just have to go and play the game. And we both can put up a good show for our sponsors.
” Nokenoke acknowledged everyone for their support. “Above all I would say thankyou to our heavenly father for all he has for me, without him I wouldn’t be here. “Secondly, a big thankyou to all my coaches, Coach Mark Keto, Jack Willie, and Leonie Madgwick for all their efforts towards our preparation and not forgetting our coaches at High performance, F45 and our physios.
“Most but not least thank you National Finance for sponsoring the females and other sponsors plus boxing Union for making this event successful. “To all my teammates thankyou we all made the event successful. “Thankyou to all my supporters and the people behind the scenes and whoever contributed to me either way.
” Nokenoke also claimed female boxer of the tournament..
