By CHARLIE DUMAVI
PAPUA New Guinea lightweight boxer Raka Kauko Jr will face Xiatoa Su, a Chinese boxer in Vietnam on July 15. This will be a grinder because Xiatoa is a tough fighter, having more experience fighting internationally. However, Kauko said his team have been watching videos of Xiatoa and are ready to face him off in the ring.“We are studying his weakness,” he said.“Xiatoa is a tough fighter, but I am also a tough guy. I am tough enough. “I am strong enough to beat him although he had more experience internationally against some recognised boxers.“
If he’s going to win, he will win on points but if I win, I will win on knockouts. “I will beat him on knockouts. “If I touch him, he will go down.” Prior to Vietnam fight, Kauko lost twice on points against international boxers, one in PNG against Roldan Aldea and the second against Mark John Yap in Philippines. Kauko’s coach Ephraim Montoro said the defeats have been nothing but lessons and they will stand on it with all the support they received to prove it in Vietnam.“When we went to Philippines our defence was not that good, but because of the mental strength we completed the fight,” he said.
“But for this fight (Vietnam), we have worked hard on our defence, along with other areas. “Based on our past fights, we gained a lot of experiences. “We are ready. The defeats did not stop Kauko from holding his head up and stepping into the boxing ring to do what he loves doing.”
Meanwhile, Kauko acknowledged all the partners and sponsors for getting behind him to fight in Vietnam as this also set out a partway for younger people to fly the PNG flag in international boxing rings.He said the time is nearing for him to depart for Vietnam and he is grateful the trip has been made possible by individuals and partners who contributed in cash or in kind.
The lightweight boxer said it hasnot been easy to secure a fight overseas so this must not be treated lightly. “Thank you to the companies that came on board to support me with my fundraising,” Raka said. “I did not expect such huge support.”
