Adrianus to fight Thai to defend his OPBF crown
Adrianus to fight Thai to defend his OPBF crown
JAKARTA (JP): Adrianus Taroreh is set to defend his Orient and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) championship belt against Thailand's challenger Singtong Nontachai in his hometown Manado, North Sulawesi on April 1.
Adrianus' manager Bian Sondakh said yesterday the title fight, scheduled for 12 rounds, will serve as a warm up for the 28-year- old champion before meeting with World Boxing Association holder Guzie Nazarov of Japan scheduled here in the middle of the year.
It will be Adrianus' third effort to defend his championship belt since his unanimous point decision win over South Korean Jung Jin-noh for the crown left vacant by Nazarov early last year. Adrianus last knocked out Filipino number four contender Ernie Elesna at the Senayan indoor stadium last September, bettering his win-loss record to 8-1, with two KO victories.
Nazarov, a native Russian, gave away his OPBF title for a WBA championship bout.
"Adrianus should not waste the chance. Nontachai is a hard hitting boxer, but I have a feeling Adrianus will stop him," Bian told Antara. The 1988 Asian Games silver medalist has been undergoing intensive training sessions for the fight for a month.
The bout, promoted by Lineke Lolowang, will be held at the Gedong Joang '45, along with other five professional bouts pitting home favorites against their Jakarta rivals.
The female promoter had earlier said she would give Adrianus a chance to box the Russian-born world champion as early this year.
Nurhuda
Meanwhile, the Indonesian junior featherweight Nurhuda arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa on Wednesday for his International Boxing Federation (IBF) title bout against defending champion Vuyani Bungu on March 3.
Nurhuda, who went to Mecca on haj pilgrimage several years ago, will fight Bungu when his family and colleagues celebrate Idul Fitri at home.
"It will be a very special bout for me, and I'm seeking a victory to add to the Idul Fitri celebration," Nurhuda said.
The Indonesian will receive the highest earning of his career of Rp 85 million (US$38,500) for the match scheduled for 12 rounds at Caraosel Casino Hotel.
If he wins, Nurhuda will be the third Indonesian to wrest a world boxing crown after three-time junior bantamweight champion Ellyas Pical and brief mini flyweight holder Nico Thomas. Both Elly and Nico fought under the sanction of the IBF. (amd)