Kauko loses on points

By PARKER TAMBUA
PAPUA New Guinea champion Raka Kauko Jr lost his World Boxing Association Asia super featherweight title bout against Filipino Roldan Aldea on an unanimous decision in Port Moresby on Sunday night.
The 10-round bout at the Sir John Guise Stadium Indoor Complex saw Kauko aiming for a knockout, but his opposite displayed more speed and defensive grit to claim the win.
Aldea said the win was one of the highlights of his career.
“This is a dream come true for me,” he said.
“I trained hard throughout my career to win such a title and to do that is a proud moment for me.
“Thank you to my supporters from the Philippines and also thank you to PNG and Oceania Fight Promotions for organising this event.”
Despite the loss, Kauko said he was proud of his performance, given his limited experience in international professional bouts.
“He had more experience compared with me,” he said.
“But I am proud that I kept him on his toes and the fight lasted for 10 rounds and he won on points.
“To be honest, I was after a knockout, but he was smart and he used different techniques.
“He had so much movement and I couldn’t catch him. But if I had kept him confined to a spot then I’m certain that I would have knocked him out before the third round.” PNG Boxing Council president Ben Micah congratulated Kauko for competing against a more experienced opponent.