Korake eyeing Kakar

By BENJAMIN KOITAKA
NATIONAL light heavyweight champion John Korake says the fear of losing his two belts has given him extra incentive to beat Pakistani boxer Ezatullah Kakar in Port Moresby on Saturday.
Korake (12 KOs) and refugee Kakar will square off over eight rounds in the inaugural Oceania Professional Boxing Championship cruiserweight title bout at the Sir John Guise Stadium’s indoor complex.
“Facing him is not a problem but losing my belts, which I have fought so hard for over years, is scary,” the 34-year-old Bougainville told The National yesterday.
“I’m determined to be the first to win the Oceania Professional Boxing Championship title.
“I have two belts and I’m the national light heavyweight champion.
“I will not give up my belts easily.
“I know he is training hard and has the experience.
“But I have two titles and will look to win another on Saturday.
“I’ll let my fists do the talking.”
Korake said he claimed the light heavyweight championship in 2016 before bagging the Indonesian title in the 79kg division in 2017.
“Early this year, the Indonesian promoters called for a rematch in Port Moresby and I knocked the same guy down again,” he said.
Korake (83kg) said due to their weight difference, he and Kakar (86kg) would face off in the cruiserweight division.
The father-of-four said he was looking to capitalise on his opponent’s weaknesses.
“I usually note the strengths and weaknesses of a boxer in every round and adapt in the next to take them down,” he said.
Korake is doing his training at Sebore village along the Magi Highway.
Meanwhile, PNG Professional Boxing Gym president Elvin Wafewa said he would arrive today with the Indonesian boxers enlisted for the championship.
He thanked major sponsor Trophy Haus and other stakeholders for their support.
Tickets are going for K3000 (ringside table for 10), K100 (outer ringside) and K30 (outer stand).
Tickets are on sale at all Trophy Haus outlets in Port Moresby.