Team RAKA Boxing

With Trevor Noah – I just got recognized as one of their top fans!

With VSP Promotions – I just made it onto their weekly engagement list by being one of their top engagers!

RAKA TO MAKE A STATEMENT FOR PNG 🇵🇬
Papua New Guinea boxing icon Junior Kauko Raka is set to make a powerful return to the ring this weekend in Ho Chi Minh City, bringing with him not just his vast experience — but a wish to impose his nation’s fight brand on foreign shores.

Known as “The Prodigy,” Raka has long been one of PNG’s most respected fighters, a former Pacific Games gold medalist and national champion who built his reputation on toughness, aggression, and knockout power.
After time away from competition, he now steps back into the spotlight at Trigger Promotion 7, determined to remind fans exactly why he remains a force in the lightweight division.

But this return is bigger than one fight.

Raka will lead a four-fighter Papua New Guinea team into Vietnam—marking a rare and significant moment for the nation’s professional boxing scene.
Alongside him are rising prospects Fidelis Laia, Magdalyn Menjawi, and Tau Bowen, each making their professional debuts on an international stage.
It’s a landmark step for PNG boxing, showcasing its emerging talent to a global audience.

Raka faces Vietnam’s promising young fighter Nguyễn Phúc Thanh Bình in what shapes as a classic clash of experience versus youth.
P**c Thanh Bình was an impressive KO winner last time, and brings speed, composure, and hometown momentum.
Raka arrives battle-tested—his ring craft and resilience forged across years of international competition.

For Raka, the mission is clear.

“It’s all business,” he says.
"It’s my job to make sure that myself and the team put on great performances, so that Vietnam will see what PNG boxers are to be respected.
We are warriors, and we belong on the world stage.
We are expecting war - nothing less. Bring it on !"

With pride, power, and a nation behind him, Junior Kauko Raka’s return isn’t just another fight—it’s a statement.
And as Papua New Guinea steps onto the world stage in Ho Chi Minh City, all eyes will be on “The Prodigy” to lead the charge.

Fights will be streamed LIVE this Sunday.

Team RAKA-PANG
Viatnam Team April 19-2026
3 boxers Professional debut fight in Vietnam VHS-City

STREET KIDS BOXING GYM KOKI TEAM RAKA-PANG - team to Viatnam

🇵🇬 “BE READY VIETNAM — WE AIN’T PLAYING”
Papua New Guinea will take its boxing talent on the road this April, with four highly promising athletes travelling to Ho Chi Minh City for an international professional boxing event.

Leading the group is Junior Kauko Raka (seated), widely regarded as Papua New Guinea’s most recognised professional boxer.
Raka says the team is pumped about the opportunity, and confident they can deliver killer performances.

“We know that Vietnamese fighters compete with great spirit,” Raka said.

“I’ve been there before — they got skills and they’re tough brother.

“But I have warning for them.

“My team has been working extra hard, and we’re coming to give everything we’ve got.
We want to show that Papua New Guinea can mix it with the big boys. We're on the world stage now.

“We are real dogs brother. All bite - no quit.

“So please tell Vietnam they better be ready — we ain’t playing.

“We going to shock a lot of people this April.
Just wait and see.” 🇵🇬

TRIGGER PROMOTION 7 will be held in Thao Dien HCMC on Sunday April 19th.
The event will be televised and live streamed with an expected international audience of more than 2 million people.

* pictured: boxers Tau Bowen, Magdalyn Menjawi, Fidelis Laia, Junior Raka (seated), with trainer Nelson John (far right)

PNG 🇵🇬 – FIGHTING IS IN THE BLOOD
Papua New Guinea is a nation forged in warrior tradition.
From the Highlands to the islands, its people are renowned for fierce tribal pride, striking ceremonial artistry, and a courage that has echoed through generations.

This April 19 in Ho Chi Minh City, that legacy steps into the modern arena.
Four indigenous athletes will represent Papua New Guinea at the international Trigger Promotion 7 boxing event — carrying not only their gloves, but the spirit of a warrior nation.

Tau Bowen, Fidelis Laia and Junior Raka (pictured) will be joined by female compatriot Magdalyn Mengavi as they take on some of Saigon’s brightest young prospects in what promises to be a defining night for PNG boxing.

They are not just fighting for victory.

They are on a mission — to establish WARRIOR as Papua New Guinea’s fight brand to the world.

In PNG, fighting is more than sport.
It is identity. It is pride. It is inheritance.

It's the hurt business — and there is no business quite like it !

SOUTH SIDE Lon Kain Morning Alsem

STREET KIDS BOXING WAIGANI
TEAM RAKA-PANG
MONDAY WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY 3-5 PM AT JOHN GUIES STADIUM

Investing in Community. Empowering the Next Generation.

For several years now, Michael Donaldson from Comlek PNG has proudly supported a local boxing gym in Papua New Guinea — an initiative that goes far beyond sport. As highlighted in the recent article on the boxing clinic led running from January 19th to 21st by PNG lightweight champion Kauko Raka Jnr, programs like these play a critical role in keeping young people off the streets, building discipline, confidence, and positive pathways within the community.

Boxing clinics and grassroots programs don’t just develop athletes — they bring together coaches, trainers, families and local leaders to share knowledge, create opportunity, and strengthen communities. They provide structure, mentorship, and a safe environment for all, including youth and beginners to learn, grow and belong.

We believe this is where businesses can make a real difference. With Corporate support, whether through funding, resources, or partnerships, helps sustain these programs and expand their reach to more towns, more kids, and more communities across PNG.

We’re proud to stand behind initiatives that create long-term social impact, and we encourage other businesses to consider getting involved. When sport, community and industry come together, the results extend far beyond the ring.

If you’d like to learn more about how you can support or partner with grassroots community programs in PNG, we’d love to connect.
Junior Kauko Raka Post Courier