La Paene keeps his word by turning into pro boxer

JAKARTA (JP): National flyweight boxer La Paene Masara was not bluffing when he insisted that the Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association (Pertina) find him a job or he would turn professional.

La Paene has stood by his word by quitting the Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian (SEA) Games training program at the Ragunan Sports School in South Jakarta.

"I have already packed and quit the training program today after meeting Pertina chairman Pak Sang Nyoman Suwisma," he told reporters Thursday.

La Paene said he had not only quit the training program but amateur boxing as well. He has followed the lead of compatriot Hermansen Ballo who quit the program without notifying Pertina.

"I have sent a letter to the Pertina Jakarta chapter chairman saying that I will discontinue amateur boxing," he said as quoted by Antara.

He hoped his resignation from the center and amateur boxing would give junior boxers an opportunity to follow in his footsteps. He also wants to find improved conditions in professional boxing.

"Hopefully by competing in professional boxing I can feed my family, because so far I can only give them promises which are not kept."

La Paene, the father of two children, revealed on Monday that he had problems finding a job after several officials who had promised him work could not be contacted.

Ferry Moniaga, Pertina's official in charge of training and also the SEA Games training director, confirmed La Paene's resignation.

"I can't forbid him from leaving the training center because he's a grown man and he can make his own decisions. But I have warned him to be very careful in professional boxing," he said.

"He was focusing his attention more on getting a job and it affected his training program. He realized that and decided to quit."

Separately, Pertina Jakarta chapter official in charge of the technical division Boy Kelung was not shocked with La Paene's resignation.

"I don't have to explain his problem because I believe the press are aware of it. The most important thing is that he can ascertain a better future, especially for his family."

Boy said La Paene had made the right decision by joining the ranks of professional boxing.

"He only needs to improve his physical fitness. When he was an amateur he only had to fight for four rounds but in pro boxing he must compete for much longer." (yan)