Cheppy fails to seize OPBF title

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)