RI boxers move closer to Atlanta

RI boxers move closer to Atlanta

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia got off to a flying start in its bid
for more Olympic berths in boxing at the third Asia Zone
qualifying tournament in Bangkok on Sunday, when its two boxers
advanced to the second round in style.

Rachman Kili-kili relied on his experience to take total
control of his bantamweight three-rounder against Laotian
Southone. It was easy work for the lefthander Rachman who scored
a thumping 16-0 point decision win.

Mohammad Alfaridzie added to Indonesia's joy when he stopped
Ikrom Boboev of Tajikistan in the second round of their
lightweight division match. Making his international debut, 19-
year-old Alfaridzie pommeled Boboev with one-two combination in
the one-sided bout.

"The path to the Olympic Games in Atlanta looks clear for both
Rachman and Alfaridzie," Imron ZS, executive chairman of the
Indonesian amateur boxing body, said yesterday.

Rachman will take on Tulyakov Timur of Uzbekistan, while
Alfaridzie meets Ri Chol of North Korea in today's fights. The
winners will advance to the quarterfinals.

Indonesia fielded six pugilists in the last qualifying round
for Asian countries, which will wind up this weekend. Finalists
of the tournament will go to Atlanta.

A total of 118 boxers from 22 countries are taking part in the
tournament, with North Korea receiving most of attention after
emerging from a long seclusion from the Olympic scene.

Indonesia has booked three places through light flyweight
Lapaene Masara, featherweight Nemo Bahari and light middleweight
Hendrik Simangunsong. It will be Hendrik's second Olympic
appearance if he goes to Atlanta.

National coach Ferry Moniaga said that the Indonesian boxing
team for Olympics will undergo a three-week training program in
Uzbekistan, starting at the end of April. They will not return
home, but go on to Cuba until the Olympics. (amd)