Lerma overweight in first weigh-in

JAKARTA (JP): Defending World Boxing Federation welterweight champion Jaime Lerma was overweight yesterday at the first weight-in at the Sahid Jaya Hotel in preparation for tonight's fight against Indonesian Suwito Lagola.

The Texan boxer had to lose eight ounces. But two hours and a workout later, Lerma met the maximum weight requirement by weighing 66.6 kilograms, his normal fighting weight.

Lerma, 170 centimeters tall, is scheduled to fight Suwito tonight in the Puri Agung room at the Sahid Jaya Hotel. Suwito, 173 centimeters tall, was two ounces below the maximum weight.

Setiadi Laksono, a boxing observer, told reporters yesterday that based on the results of the weigh-in Suwito would have a greater chance of victory.

"Suwito has a 55 - 45 chance because Lerma had to lose weight drastically," he said.

Setiadi said that technically Lerma was better than Suwito, but the host boxer was advantaged because his opponent was overweight.

Gordon Mogot, an Indonesian Boxing Committee senior official, said that both boxers each had Rp 40 million (US$17,000) in insurance.

Lerma, who won the title early this year, said he would try his best to retain the title.

"I've come here from too far to lose the bout," said the black-haired boxer.

But he would not say in which round he would knock out his opponent.

"I'm ready for the 12-round match. I can win in the second or even sixth round but obviously I'm ready to fight for 12 rounds," he said.

Lerma said that although he was three centimeters shorter than Suwito he would have no problem with the height difference.

"Look at (Mike) Tyson. He can win in early rounds although his opponents are taller," he reasoned.

Suwito, a former world champion, said separately he was ready to take back the title.

"I won't say much, but for sure the title will be back in this country. I'll prove that I'm the real champ," he said.

"I can't tell you what strategy will be used in the ring. I'll just try to adapt with the situation," he said.

Suwito won the welterweight title in October last year in Medan, North Sumatra, after beating the then-defending champion Willian Magahien of the Philippines.

But the WBF took the title away after Suwito refused to fight Magahien in the Philippines. Lerma was finally able to claim the title after beating Magahien in Manila last January.

Promoter Anton Sihombing, who has held just 14 boxing matches, said yesterday that, although he had spent Rp 400 million, less than 200 tickets had been sold. The tickets range in price from Rp 4,000 to Rp 150,000. (yan)