Bougainville’s Fidelis Laia takes another step forward in his professional boxing career when he heads to sunny Queensland this Saturday night.

Laia will face Australian boxer Thomas Ward in a four-round welterweight clash at the beachside Mantra on View in Surfers Paradise.

The bout will be contested at 147lb, one division above the 140lb weight class that is more suited to the PNG boxer.

Laia will give away around five inches in height to the rangy Australian orthodox striker, but the heavy-handed Bougainville fighter will be looking to make his power the great equaliser.

The event also features another exciting Papua New Guinean boxer, Mili Saul, who will take on a Thai opponent in a six-round contest.

Now based in Brisbane, Saul recorded two victories in 2025, and Saturday night will mark her first outing of 2026.

The main event features outstanding Jackson Jon England, who faces unbeaten Kazakhstan star Sultan Zaurbek (20–0) in a world-level qualifier.

It promises to be another exciting night of international professional boxing put together by renowned promoter Jamie Myer on the Gold Coast.

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Credits to Luis Antonio Fabregar for the fantastic action photos taken at the August 30th 2O26 international event in Manila.

Congratulations all fighters who took part.

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Papua New Guinea

Prospect Fidelis Laia started well despite wearing a couple of big shots in the opening round, to defeat the Philippines Jhon Rey Tariao by KO in the second round.

Laia stunned the opponent with a wicked jab forcing him to the canvas, then completed the job with two more knockdowns shortly after.

Big thanks to Mam Cucuy Elorde, Anthony Arieta and the opponent Jhon Rey Tariao for the opportunity to compete with the big dogs.

Well done to Fidelis Laia, who overcame lots of pre-fight difficulties to score a great win.