Champ to put title on the line in rematch with Decklam

By PARKER TAMBUA
PAPUA light heavyweight champion John Korake says he will put up his national title belt on the line when he takes on John Decklam in a rematch of Oceania Fight Promotion’s clash of the light heavyweight in December.
Korake told The National yesterday that he would talk with the OFP to upgrade the rematch into a title fight.
The first bout between Korake and Decklam last Wednesday saw Decklam pull off something of an upset taking the bout with a unanimous decision by the judges at the end three minutes of eight rounds.
“I am more than willing to put up my belt (on the line) in the rematch,” Korake said.
“It is up to me to make the decision on whether to put my belt up in the next fight and I have decided to put my PNG champion title on the line. I will have a meeting with the OFP and the next fight with Decklam will be a title fight.
“Title fight is what I want and I’m sure everyone will be looking forward to that fight.”
Korake said he was surprised with the judges decisions which ruled in favour of Decklam.
However, he said he accepted the loss and that he is now focussed on the rematch.
“What’s gone is gone and I am looking forward to our next fight,” he said.
“I am not giving an excuse for my loss but I must say that I didn’t really put enough time to my training in the lead up to last week’s loss.
“That is due to work commitments.
“But this time I will put myself in the best position as possible to have a good fight with Decklam now that my title belt will be on the line.”