Kauko ready to fight Philippines’ Adea

By PARKER TAMBUA
PAPUA New Guinea lightweight (61.2kg) champion Raka Kauko Jr is preparing to face Philippine champion Roldan Adea at the Sir John Guise Stadium Indoor Complex in Port Moresby on April 25.
Kauko signed his contract with Oceania Fight Promotions (OFP) in Port Moresby on Tuesday ahead of the bout sanctioned by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and Asian Boxing Council (ABCO).
The signing was attended by his coach Jamie Pang, patron Ben Micah, boxing legend Martin Beni and OFP managing director Maryanne Millie.
Kauko said he had dreamed of making it to the world stage ever since he jturned professional in 2017 and that he would take the opportunity with both hands.
“This is my dream and I am slowly living up to it,” Kauko said. “I thank OFP’s Maryanne Millie and Ben Micah for giving me the opportunity.
“This is a big challenge for me and my coaching staff but we are looking forward to it.”
The 27-year-old’s recent international bout was against Indonesia’s Dimira Ravel in Port Moresby in December which he won by knockout.
Out of nine iprofessional bouts, Kauko has won eight and drawn one.
Millie said OFP was happy to arrange the fight as Kauko was ready to step up against quality international opposition.
She thanked Kauko’s coaching staff, including Pang, for bringing the fighter up to such level.
Millie said WBC and ABCO officials would attend the fight.