La Paene keeps his word by turning into pro boxer
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)