If there is one present Mark “Marksman” Sondo would like to give to Papua New Guinea on the eve of its 50th independence anniversary, it would be a world title.
This is the aim of the veteran kickboxer as he steps into the ring in Port Moresby this Saturday, 13th September, 2025.
Sondo makes his big return to the ring after five years, and the solid Southern Highlander who has been hard in training says he is hoping to give fans something extra to cheer about during the independence celebrations.
The 6-round by 2-minute bout will see Sondo take on current world champion, Rastam Attai from Australia in the heavy weight division (+91kg). Sondo says it will be tough but he is confident of an upset.
Sondo is no stranger to a title fight having won a PNG title, South Pacific title and New South Wales title before.
However, coming out of a long break meant working hard to regain fighting form.
He said that he is happy with his preparation, and is ready for the big day.
“It’s good to be going back in the ring and I am looking forward to a win because I want it to be a present for the country.
“It’s also special for me because it’s taking place at my home where I get to compete in front of my children, family, friends and sponsors,” said Sondo.
The fight is also an emotional one for Sondo who is dedicating it to his late wife, Jacklyn who passed away in 2024. Jacklyn was also an avid kickboxing student and followed the sport with Sondo since the early 2000s.
Sondo says Jacklyn was an important part of his life and dedicating this fight to her is his way of remembering her.
“She was my guide in life, and made me a good father too, I wouldn’t be where I am now without her support,” he said.
Growing up in the National Capital District, a young Sondo did not want to be involved in using drugs, alcohol and other illegal activities with other young people in the community. He wanted to be involved in sports and martial arts, and kickboxing was his way out.
“It’s been a struggle but a good journey, and I want to thank everyone that was involved in bringing me this far,” Sondo said.
He added that this is not his retirement fight but it is his last match in kickboxing as he aims to pursue more opportunities in boxing.
The last time a high-level kickboxing world title match was held in Papua New Guinea was when Stanley “Head Hunter” Nandex took on Chris “White Sniper” Johnson from New Zealand at the Sir John Guise stadium in Port Moresby. The fight was Nandex’s retirement bout. That was over 10 years ago. Now the stage is set to rumble again as one of the Head Hunter’s finest takes on the same challenge with and equally tough opponent.
Sondo thanked sponsors of the event for the support and encouraged them to continue to support the development of people using sports.
He also acknowledged his long-time employer, Mineral Resources Development Corporation (MRDC) for believing in him and utilizing his sporting influence in kickboxing to work with communities in their focus areas.
Sondo said kickboxing would not exist without the country’s leading kickboxing administrator and former world champion, Nandex and thanked him for instilling discipline in him through the sport.
“Paps (Nandex) gave us kickboxing and he is still here driving it so I am grateful to him for introducing this sport to me, and many other young fighters as well,” he said.
The event will be hosted by the PNG Kickboxing Federation and is scheduled for 6pm to 9pm on Saturday, September, 13th, 2025 at the Rita Flynn Courts in Boroko, National Capital District.
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