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)