Adrianus seeks KO victory

JAKARTA (JP): Adrianus Taroreh promises a knockout victory over sixth ranked contender, Ernie Elesna of the Philippines, during their Orient and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) title bout here on Sept. 29.

"I will send Elesna kissing the canvas, no matter what round it happens," Adrianus commented at his training session in his hometown Manado on Wednesday. Adrianus, 29, will receive Rp 30 million (US$13,850) for his third title defense.

Elesna carries a better professional career record of 20-5 with 11 KO wins than Adrianus' 7-1.

The Indonesian, a 1986 Asian Games silver medalist, might be overly optimistic with his boasts as he has only one knockout in his entire career.

Adrianus took the title left vacant by the Russian-born Japanese Guzie Enazalov with a unanimous point decision win over Jong Jin-noh of South Korea here last February. (amd)