PAPUA New Guinea kickboxer Sheilla Yama has defended her International Boxing Federation (IBF) International Super Lightweight Title against Australia’s Jessica Messina at the Eventfinda Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand last Saturday (8 August).
Televised by NBCTV, Yama’s fight was watched across Papua New Guinea and her victory attracted congratulatory comments from the country’s Prime Minister, James Marape.
Marape said Yama is a great sports ambassador for Papua New Guinea and her journey from a regular upbringing to an undefeated international standing demonstrates what can be achieved through personal discipline.
“I am very proud of this young lady. Without waiting for the government, community, or parental support, she has dedicated her life to pursuing a sporting career that she has a passion and love for,” said Marape.
NBC’s Managing Director, Kora Nou said the state broadcaster was proud to televise the boxing match live on NBC TV and NBC radio services to allow Papua New Guineans to cheer and support Sheilla.
In 2023, Sheilla secured a Gold Medal for PNG in the Pacific Games in Solomon Islands and is slowly climbing the professional boxing ladder. She is now ranked 20th in the World by BoxRex.
Yama comes from Western Highlands, Northern and Morobe Provinces and graduated from the Pacific Adventist (PAU) University in Port Moresby before pursuing a boxing career.
At age 25, Yama entered a local boxing gym for physical conditioning.
To transition from the amateur ranks to the professional circuit, Yama relocated to Hamilton, New Zealand.
She funded the early stages of her professional training career by working shifts as a registered nurse and healthcare assistant.
Marape said Yama’s career path highlights the importance of individual initiative and self-reliance, qualities his administration views as essential for national development.
He urged young Papua New Guineans to adopt a similar proactive mindset across different sectors.
“Yama’s victory over Australian challenger Jessica Messina extends her professional boxing record to an undefeated 8-0,” said Marape.
Prime Minister Marape noted that Yama’s independent path to professional sports serves as a practical model for the nation’s youth.
“To the young generation of Papua New Guinea: let Sheilla’s example serve as a guide. Whether your focus is sports, agriculture, education, or micro-enterprise, success requires personal ownership.
“We must move away from a culture of dependency,” said Marape.
Yama is affiliated with the PNG Boxing Union (PNGBU) under President Gideon Kendino.
She trains under former professional boxer Cairo George at Team George Boxing/Hit Fitness Headquarters.
Since turning professional, Yama has steadily risen through the regional rankings, capturing a Professional Boxing Commission (PBC) title in 2025 before securing her current IBF belt in May 2026.
