Herry to fight it out for keep perfect record
JAKARTA (JP): Herry Makawimbang vowed yesterday to maintain his winning streak when he fights Salim Ayuba in a 10-round junior featherweight bout in Tangerang, West Java, today.
Although it will be Herry's fourth professional bout, his convincing record in amateur competition bodes well for him to take the Golden Belt award.
A victory over Salim, nationally the number three contender, would earn Herry a national championship title shot and further open up his chances for international bouts.
Both Herry and Salim told a media conference yesterday that they were ready for the fight after undergoing intensive training. But they refused to predict a margin of victory or the possibility of a knockout.
"I don't want to talk about victory or defeat, except that I'm just ready for the bout," Herry said.
The match will be shown live on private television station RCTI starting at 1:45 p.m. West Indonesia Time. Also scheduled for live broadcast will be the eight-round lightweight fight between Tosiro Ortega and Moechrodi, and another non-title fight in the same division between David Koswara and Ari Goza.
In one of five undercard bouts, another former top amateur boxer, Rachman Kili-kili, will meet Sanusi Anwar in a junior bantamweight 10-rounder. Rachman, whose amateur career included a gold medal in the President Cup here two years ago, has scored three wins in as many professional bouts.
A three-round amateur fight pitting Damianus Jordan and La Paene Massara is another attraction as the two are now in contention for a place on the Asian Games squad.
Promoter Boy Bolang said he would scout talented fighters during the tournament.
Tangerang Mayor Zakaria Mahmud, who was also present at the media conference, threw his full support behind the event.
"I'm looking forward to seeing a sold-out boxing tournament in my town. It will help me make Tangerang a new home to talented boxers," said Zakaria, whose enthusiasm for the sport has motivated the Tangerang mayoralty to set up a local boxing camp. (lnt)