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)