Rachman shines in pro bouts, Herry struggles

JAKARTA (JP): Former national amateur boxing champions Rachman Kilikili and Herry Makawimbang maintained their winning run in pro Saturday.

Rachman made short work of Sanusi Anwar in their junior bantamweight bout. The referee stopped the fight one minute into the opening round after Sanusi could not answer Rachman's merciless charges.

Earlier, Herry held off the persistent challenges of Salim Ayuba in an exhausting 10-round junior featherweight match. The three judges were in favor of Herry, who made full use of his reach advantage to punish Salim with a flurry of jabs throughout the fight.

Both Rachman and Herry improved their pro records to four wins in as many matches.

Rachman used both his fists in a fast display, to the delight of the crowd which packed Tangerang Sports Hall in West Java. His combination floored Anwar just 30 seconds after the opening bell.

Anwar managed to regain his feet but Rachman kept up the pace to send his wobbling opponent reeling onto the ropes. Then the referee intervened for hapless Anwar's safety.

"The fight went as planned. I wanted a quick finish, so I came out charging from the opening bell. When I saw Anwar unready to fight that way, I kept going," Rachman said after the match.

Promoter Boy Bolang praised Rachman for his superb showing and predicted that it would take him only two years to grab a world championship belt.

In other undercard bouts, local boxers Otong Kosasih and David Koswara won unanimous point decisions over their opponents. Middleweight Otong beat Wahyu Widodo in a six rounder, while lightweight David outpointed Ari Goza in six rounds. (amd)