Adrianus retains OPBF title by knocking out RP's Ernie<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Adrianus Taroreh kept his pre-match promise by
\nknocking out Ernie Elesna of the Philippines in defense of his
\nOrient Pacific and Oriental (OPBF) lightweight championship belt
\nhere yesterday.<\/p>\n
Adrianus, making his second title defense at smoky Senayan
\nindoor stadium, connected with a lightning-fast left uppercut the
\nsecond minute of the fifth round, sending the Filipino challenger
\nsprawling to the floor.<\/p>\n
Elesna failed to get back on his feet after Indonesian referee
\nPontas Simanjuntak finished the count.<\/p>\n
The unexpected but accurate punch drew some 8,000 spectators
\ninto a thunderous celebration, with Adrianus carried on the
\nshoulders of fanatical fans around the ring.<\/p>\n
The organizers kept the crowd antsy due to the extended
\nmusical show before this most anticipated bout. The boxing
\ncommittee had to delay the fight until after 9:30 pm in order for
\nit to be aired live on TVRI.<\/p>\n
Taking advantage of his longer reach, contender number four
\nElesna took the initiative with persistent jabs. Adrianus
\nanswered back with a few devastating right hands but still unable
\nto finish him off.<\/p>\n
"I did everything as planned, but he was too strong," a
\ndispirited Elesna admitted. He further explained that he had
\n"noticed stomach problems" when he steam bathed Wednesday to
\nreduce his weight.<\/p>\n
Adrianus, who pocketed Rp 30 million (US$13,800) for the bout,
\nis now eying a world championship bout against World Boxing
\nAssociation (WBA) holder Guzzie Nazarov of Russia.<\/p>\n
"I have long been dreaming of the match. I feel I'm ready to
\ntake the title," an emotion filled Adrianus told reporters.
\nAdrianus bettered his win-loss record to 8-1, with two KO
\nvictories.<\/p>\n
Promoter Lineke Lolowang said she will give Adrianus a chance
\nto box the Russian world champion as early next year.<\/p>\n
"Adrianus never lost to Russian boxers in his amateur career.
\nThat's why the WBA looks to be a better prospect than both the
\nInternational Boxing Federation (IBF) and the World Boxing
\nAssociation (WBA)," said Lineke. (amd)<\/p>",
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