Raka eyeing Philippine boxer in title bout

NATIONAL lightweight champion Junior Kauko Raka, pictured, says he is looking forward stepping into the ring the Philippines in July.
With the help of Canadian-based promoter Nick Calibud, Raka will take on Dado Carbitoy in the featherweight (69kg) division.
Raka — from West New Britain and Morobe — is not new to the sport, as he has already represented the country at the 2011 Arafura Games in Darwin.
He also won gold at the 2011 Pacific Games in Noumea, New Caledonia.
Father-of-two Raka missed the 2015 Pacific Games in Port Moresby due to personal issues.
In 2017, he joined professional boxing under the promoter, Papua New Guinea Pro-Boxing Gym.
Raka had five bouts since turning professional in 2017, all of which he managed to defeat his opponents by knock-out.
He will take on Asia-Pacific title holder Carbitoy, who remains undefeated, under the World Professional Boxing Federation.
Raka is concentrating on his bouts in April and July under Intergraded Mixed Martial Arts PNG Club coach and owner Jamie Pang, the brother of Adrian.
Raka said he was disappointed about not being able to face an Indonesian fighter last year.
“I’ve been waiting to fight my Indonesian opponent for almost a year now,” he said.
“Since this is taking too long, I’ve shifted my attention to the Asia-Pacific belt bout.
“If lose or do not fight in April, I will go to the Philippines, as this bout was arranged by a different promoter.
“They are also providing accommodation and access to a gym when I go to the Philippines.
“My promoter told me to be there early, so I’m leaving in June.
“I’m now training under my coach and looking forward to the fight.”
Raka said he was happy to meet with any sponsor who would be willing to support him.