Adrianus set to keep OPBF lightweight title

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)