Bonix targets Athens medal

Eva C. Komandjaja, Jakarta

Bonix Saweho, Indonesia's sole contender in the Athens Olympics boxing competition, said here on Thursday he had set sights on winning a medal in August.

The 24-year-old boxer from North Sumatra will compete in the 51-kilogram flyweight division along with other 31 boxers from around the world.

"All the boxers competing in Athens will definitely be tough opponents -- no matter whether they're from Asia, America or Europe. But I will try my best to win a medal," he said.

Bonix said he had almost finished his training regime under the guidance of coach Wiem Gommies, with only speed drilling sessions to complete.

Wiem was a trainer he could count on in his Olympic bid, Bonix said. He earlier rejected a plan by the Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association (Pertina) for him to train under Sutan Rambing.

While Sutan has proved successful internationally, guiding Chrisjon to the world featherweight championship in professional boxing, Bonix said Pertina gave in to his preference.

He secured his ticket to Athens in May after defeating Kaoru Murahashi of Japan at the Olympic qualifications in Karachi, Pakistan.

The boxer might have found a place earlier had he been included in the Indonesian team competing in the previous qualification rounds in the Philippines and China. However, an earlier slump in form meant Pertina had doubted his skill.

After winning a gold medal at 2001 SEA Games in Malaysia, Bonix suffered a dip in performance that culminated in his failure to make it 2003 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Vietnam.

His Karachi run could signal a comeback to his best form.

Bonix, who is among 39 athletes from 14 sports on the Indonesian team to Athens, said he was determined not to squander this rare chance.