Adrianus set to keep OPBF lightweight title

JAKARTA (JP): Adrianus Taroreh, holder of the Orient and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) lightweight title, is ready to knock out Filipino challenger Ernie Elesna in their title fight at Senayan stadium tomorrow.

"I can't tell you in what round I will knock him out but plans for a K.O were part of my training program," Adrianus said upon his arrival here from his hometown in Manado, North Sulawesi. Adrianus added that his weight meets the championship's requirements.

The fight against Elesna will be Adrianus' second in defense of his OPBF title. Adrianus succeeded in keeping his crown the first time after a 12-round bout against Australian Darren Miller last May.

Elesna, on the other hand, said that although he was in the dark about Adrianus' style, "the sooner I conquer him the better." Elesna added that he had undergone a strenuous training stint for four months to prepare himself for tomorrow's fight.

Despite the rigorous training, Elesna still weighed 64.2 kg, three kilograms heavier than when he stood on the scale on Monday.

His English coach, Anthony Martin, said that being three kilograms overweight was not a serious problem. In just two days, Martin guaranteed that Elesna would be able to reduce to his ideal weight of 61.2 kg. During the two days, Martin said, Elesna would train by shadow boxing. "Both his left-hand hook and his right-hand straight jabs are considerably quick. This is his powerful weapon," Martin warned.

Elesna, 22 years old and five years younger than Adrianus, has 24 wins and fours losses with 17 KOs.

Adrianus, since turning pro two years ago, is undefeated in nine bouts with one KO.

Given Elesna's fighting records, Martin said he was confident that Elesna would be able to beat Adrianus. Martin added that Elesna easily knocked out compatriot Mackey Silvano in the seventh round during the national boxing championship in the Philippines last year.

Martin, as quoted in Suara Pembaharuan, said that the fight with Silvano, who died in his dressing room a few hours later, should not be exaggerated for fear of exposing only the bad side of the sport.

Lineke Lolowang, the bout's promoter, said that if Adrianus wins with a knock-out against Elesna, Adrianus will have successfully defended his OPBF title three times. This, Lineke said, is enough to promote him to the World Boxing Association (WEBB)'s championships. (arf)