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)