Thai boxer vows to KO Rachman

Thai boxer vows to KO Rachman

Moch. N. Kurniawan The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

Thai challenger Fahlan Sakkreerin is vowing to knock out International Boxing Federation (IBF) mini-flyweight title holder M. Rachman by the third round of their upcoming bout.

Sakkreerin said on Thursday he was in prime physical condition thanks to adequate preparation for the bout against the Indonesian on April 5 in Merauke, Papua.

"Just wait on April 5. I have a killing punch for Rachman," he said during a press conference here.

He said his training included going 109 rounds to ensure he was up to the challenge of fighting Rachman.

Sakkreerin's manager Ekarat Chai Chotchuang said it was important for his 37-year-old boxer to get the upper hand early on.

"Rachman is younger than Sakkreerin, therefore he has greater stamina," he said of the 32-year-old Indonesian.

Boxing expert Tourino Tidar and promoter Ndondo Sugiarto were also at the conference but Rachman has been in Merauke for the past two weeks.

He won the IBF mini-flyweight title (up to 47 kg) in September last year by beating Daniel Reyes of Colombia.

Rachman has a record of 71 wins, including 31 KOs. Sakkreerin, a former IBF mini-flyweight world champion (1990-92) and WBF flyweight champion (1994-97), has 54 wins, with 23 KOs.