Cheppy fails to seize OPBF title

BANDUNG (JP): Indonesian Cheppy Holman punched wildly in every round but it was not enough to seize the Orient and Pacific Boxing Federation junior lightweight crown from South Korean Choi Yong-soo.

An old sweat, Choi shrugged off the flu and a bruised eye to retain his crown during the 12 rounds that were mostly filled with close-range punching, much to the disappointment of 3.500 crowd that packed the Saparua sports hall.

It was the title holder's stubborn double-cover which staved off the persistent challenge of the attack-minded Indonesian. A flurry of Cheppy's combinations caused the South Korean two blackened eyes after the final round.

Knowing that he survived a tooth and nail bout, Choi raised both his hands as the final bell rang. The three judges gave a split decision, but Choi was awarded the victory.

Ironically, Indonesian judge Daman favored Choi 116-115 in addition to South Korean Kim Jae-bong's 118-113 decision. Japanese referee Mazumi Kenjiro scored it 117-113 in favor of Cheppy.

The victory over the Indonesian contender number one extends Choi's triumphant title defense streak to seven times in a row. Cheppy dropped his record to 16-4. The native of Bandung also fell to number three in the latest OPBF contender list following the defeat.

"Cheppy deserved the victory for his aggressive style. I'm not disappointed with the result, however, since Cheppy did his best," chairman of the Indonesian Boxing Commission, Hendropriyono, said.

Renowned promoter Boy Bolang, who is also a former boxer, opposed the judges' decision, saying that Cheppy landed more on- target punches. "Cheppy should have earned a slight victory at least," Boy told The Jakarta Post.

Promoter of the title match, Tourino Tidar, promised to give Cheppy another chance.

Despite the loss, the Indonesian earned his biggest prize money ever of Rp 10 million (US$4,500). (amd)