Boxing champion Petronella Nokenoke launches women’s self-defence classes

Papua New Guinea’s reigning female welterweight boxing champion and 2023 Pacific Games gold medalist, Petronella Nokenoke, is taking her talents beyond the ring, launching self-defence boxing classes specifically designed for women.

The inaugural session was held last Saturday at F45 Studio, Savannah Heights, in Port Moresby, with six women taking part in the first class. The weekly sessions will continue every Saturday from 11am to 12pm, and more participants are expected in the coming weeks.

Nokenoke, 29, from Bougainville, said the initiative is about more than just teaching boxing skills, it's about empowering women, promoting healthy lifestyles, and building confidence.

"In the sessions, I have to make it more interesting than my normal boxing sessions that I usually do. We went through the basics on how to throw punches and also some speed drills through pad work,” she said.

Nokenoke said she was pleased with the energy and feedback from the first group of participants.

"These sessions are not only about self-defence, boxing is also a good therapy when you are exhausted and stressed after a long week at work, so it's one way of cooling off as well," she added.

Concerned about the rising cases of lifestyle-related diseases among middle-aged individuals, Nokenoke believes boxing can be part of the solution offering both physical benefits and mental resilience.

Alongside her community work, Nokenoke remains focused on her own boxing career.

She is currently in training for several major events, including the National Boxing Championships in Lae in July, the Oceania Boxing Championships in Tahiti in September, and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland next year.