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