Kaspari meets Tiranov

Kaspari meets Tiranov

JAKARTA (JP): Andrian Kaspari meets defending champion Russian Alexander Tiranov in a bout for the International Boxing Federation Intercontinental bantamweight crown in Surabaya, East Java, today.

"I don't promise that I will win on points or by a knockout. I'll just try to do my best," Kaspari said.

Kaspari, who has a record of 9-0 (all by knockouts), said he studied his Russian opponent's brawling style on video and that equipped him with some knowledge about Tiranov.

"I have learned Tiranov's weaknesses and strengths and am ready for a 12-round bout against him," the Surabaya pugilist said, not daring to make boastful statements, Antara reported.

Tiranov, on the other hand, said he believed he would retain his title because he had made good preparations technically, physically and mentally even though he is yet to discover Kaspari's style.

"I know nothing about Andrian, but I'll try to win and defend my title," Tiranov said. His record is 6-1 (3).

The other cards today will feature a junior welterweight World Boxing Federation bout between Ajib Albarado of Indonesia against Dindo Canoy of the Philippines, junior bantamweight IBF Intercontinental bout between Ricky Matulesi of Indonesia and Shakhumzi Magxwalisa of South Africa.

Indonesia's Nurhuda will also be tried by Vuyusile Tinga of South Africa in another title bout for the featherweight IBF Intercontinental belt.

IBF president Robert Lee is scheduled to witness the world championship.

"Robert Lee will observe our national boxers' quality, especially Andrian Kaspari, Ricky Matulesi and Ajib Albarado, for the IBF senior ranks," said promoter Herry Sugiarto. (arf)