Suwito sets date for title defense in March<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian World Boxing Federation welterweight
\nchampion Suwito Lagola has nominated three American opponents as
\npossible challengers for his first title defense next March since
\nregaining his title three weeks ago.<\/p>\n
Promoter Anthon Sihombing, who holds the option rights for
\nSuwito's next two bouts, said after signing an agreement with the
\n26-year-old boxer Monday night that he would choose among
\nCalifornian Johny Stewart and Virginians Richie Hess and Tommy
\nSmall for the next title fight, which is scheduled for the second
\nweek of March here.<\/p>\n
The three Americans, who are ranked among the top 10
\ncontenders, have been recommended by the World Boxing
\nFederation's (WBF) Asia-Pacific representative, Jack Rainey.<\/p>\n
Suwito reclaimed his crown after eight months of waiting in a
\nunanimous point decision win over American defending champion
\nJaime Lerma in a 12-round match here at the end of September.<\/p>\n
Anthon said Suwito will receive US$15,000 for the March bout.
\n\"This is Suwito's minimum payoff. We may increase the amount if
\nnecessary,\" Anthon said.<\/p>\n
The promoter also offered Suwito an overseas stint in either
\nThailand or the Philippines in preparation for his title defense.<\/p>\n
Suwito, however, turned down the offer, saying that he
\npreferred working out in his hometown of Langkat Gohor Lama,
\nNorth Sumatra. \"I'm used to a primitive training method. Plowing
\na rice field is part of my workout,\" the boxer, who is of
\nJavanese-decent, said.<\/p>\n
Suwito also manages a poultry farm at home. Eggs from the farm
\ncontribute to his daily nutrition needs.<\/p>\n
Anthon said he would give Suwito a shot at the World Boxing
\nOrganization (WBO) championship match if he manages to defend his
\nWBF belt.<\/p>\n
The promoter said negotiations with a WBO top official, Leon
\nAncello, are underway. \"They (WBO) have set a benchmark of
\n$90,000 for their champion for the unification bout, but the
\nprice is negotiable,\" Anthon said.<\/p>\n
Suwito outpointed Lerma to improve his win-loss record to 21-
\n1, with eight victories coming within the distance. The
\nIndonesian lost his title he seized from William Magahin of the
\nPhilippines in October last year after refusing a mandatory
\nfight.<\/p>\n
Suwito met Lerma in the ring only after three delays. (amd)<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/suwito-sets-date-for-title-defense-in-march-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }