Pertina to select boxers

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association (Pertina) will start selecting pugilists for the 1995 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in the national championships in Manado, North Sulawesi, next week.

Pertina secretary general Didiet Soedijoto told reporters yesterday that during the Nov. 20-26 event, a talent scouting team will closely observe those who have the best chances to represent Indonesia in the 1995 SEA Games boxing competitions in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The team, led by Pertina's technical director Ferry Moniaga and Cuban coach Gregory Isidoro Trotman, was formed following what was considered a lack of qualified talents that threatened the national boxing body.

"The team will decide the rank of national boxers based on their performances from one tournament to another during the year," Didiet said, adding that Ferry would also recommend certain boxers to be sent to international events.

Didiet said Pertina's program in 1995 will be aimed at improving national boxers' skills, following their failure to meet the set target during the recent Asian Games in Hiroshima.

"At least we will regain our status in Southeast Asia which has been overshadowed by Thailand and the Philippines, the two boxing powerhouses in the region," he said.

Indonesian pugilists walked away from last month's Asiad with a paltry medal collection of two bronzes through light flyweight Hermensen Ballo and featherweight Nemo Bahari, compared to four golds and two bronzes grabbed by the Filipinos and Thailand's one gold, three silvers and three bronzes.

The national boxing squad was also eclipsed by the two neighboring countries in the last SEA Games in Singapore. Indonesia took only two golds as Thailand and the Philippines shared the glory with five golds each.

More than 60 fighters from 16 provinces have arrived in Manado for the national championships. All top national boxers are expected to enter the year-end boxing meet. (amd)