Local boxer Albert keeps winning at President Cup

SANUR, Bali (JP): Indonesian heavyweight boxer Albert Papilaya continued his journey through the preliminary rounds of the 19th President's Cup international amateur boxing tournament on Saturday after beating Che Andli Che Hashim of Malaysia.

Albert, the 1999 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games gold medalist, was too powerful for the Malaysian, and dominated the encounter with a combination of hard straight punches, hooks and tight double covers.

The 32-year-old Indonesian won when the referee stopped the contest in the fourth round.

"I'm very happy with today's result. I hope I can get further in the tournament as I aim to win another title this year," said Albert, who officially resigned from the national team last year and plans to start a new career as a coach.

Besides Albert, three other boxers also won their matches.

Syarif Hidayat, representing the Garuda team, also reached the next round after convincingly beating Na Risu of China 24-16 in the light heavyweight division.

Syarif relied on his fast footwork. He managed to avoid Na's punches and aggressively sent counter attacks to the Chinese boxer.

In the fineweight class, Bonix Saweho of the Rajawali team also had a comfortable 10-6 point victory over Yan Lin Aung of Myanmar.

While in the light flyweight division, Dikson Ton eliminated TB Harshakumara of Sri Lanka with a 6-1 victory.

Roland Latuni of Indonesia had to bow out to Romero Liberio of Mexico when the referee stopped contest on the third round.

The late start of the event -- due to spectators' complaints they could not watch daytime bouts -- meant that the schedule was put back until later in the evening.

Four more national boxers were still fighting when The Jakarta Post's deadline came around.

Karel Muskanan was scheduled to fight Erle Wiltshire of Australia in the flyweight division while newcomer Juan Saparipan was up against Cesar Morales of Mexico in the bantamweight class.

Indonesia fielded two boxers in the light welterweight division. Steve Binalay was scheduled to face Mirko Wolf of Germany while Temuzin Rambing was to meet Allalou Mohamed of Algeria. (Bona Beding)