Ajib to fight Thai in WBF title defense

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian World Boxing Federation (WBF) welterweight junior titleholder Ajib Albarado is ready to defend his title in today's bout against Thailand's Umnard Sukhthai at the Indosiar building.

The 28-year-old Ajib, who is receiving Rp 25 million (US$4,485), told a press conference yesterday that he was optimistic about winning against the number four challenger on the WBF list.

"My rival is not very special. I'm sure I can beat him but I won't say if it will be a KO win or not," said Ajib, who left his title belt at home town Surabaya.

Umnard, 28, said he would knock out the title holder in round six.

"I have been training for a couple of months and I'll try my best tomorrow. But I think I'll win by a KO, maybe in round six," said Umnard who is getting $5,000.

"Let's see tomorrow who is the real champ," answered Ajib.

The fight will be aired live by Indosiar from 10.30 p.m.

Ajib has fought 48 times. His record is 28 wins, 25 by KO, two draws and 10 losses.

Umnard's record from his 19 fights is 15 wins, nine of them KOs, two draws and two losses.

Ajib's manager, Setiadi Laksono, said his boxer's preparation has been satisfactory.

"In September and October, Ajib had an injured ankle but now his condition is fine and there's no problem at all. Ajib is a real fighter and he has fought 40 practice rounds for the bout," he said.

Umnard's coach and manager, Thakoon Pongsupha, said his boxer had gone 50 rounds during his preparation.

"He's been trained by my younger brother, who is also a former champion of the WBF. I'm sure he has a chance to win. We'll see in the first three round but my strategy is my secret. I won't explain it," he said.

On the undercard Indonesia's Adrian Kaspari, 25, will meet Thailand's Pornchai Oratai, 33, in an International Boxing Federation Intercontinental bantamweight bout.

Adrian, who will take home 10 million, has fought 21 times, with 20 KOs and one draw. He has never lost.

Pornchai won 28 of his 33 fights. Thirteen of them were KOs, and five losses. He will take home $3,500 for his efforts. (yan)