Hebi Marapu, Travel Towards The World Candidate Through The Japanese Ariake Arena

Indonesian Boxer, Hebi Marapu. (Photo BETWEEN/HO-XBC Sportech)

JAKARTA - Boxer from Indonesia, Hebi Marapu, has ambitions to be able to penetrate the world stage. Hebi is now continuing her journey to realize the mission by facing Taiga Imanaga in a lightweight duel (61.2kg) which will take place at the Ariake Arena, Tokyo, Japan on July 25.

Hebi and Imanaga's match became an additional match from the match for the WBO and WBC super bantam (53.5kg) world champion belt between defending champions Stephen Fulton versus Naoya Inoue.

Although he did not compete for the title, XBC Sportech as the management of Hebi assessed that Aryo Sulkhan's offer has the potential to pave the way to a higher level.

"When we received an offer from Aryo Sulkhan, we were very aware that this was not an easy fight for," said XBC Operations Director Sportech who is also Hebi's manager, Verra David.

"This is an opportunity for Hebi to show off his skills in front of a wider audience because this fight is an undercard from the world-class party Stephen Fulton and Naoya Inoue," he continued.

For Hebi, this match is the second time a stage outside Southeast Asia has won over Nicola Cipolletta in Bern, Switzerland, April 15, 2022. This boxer from Sumba is aware that he will face a tough battle in Tokyo.

"Facing Imanaga in Tokyo is definitely not an easy thing. Moreover, the famous Japanese boxer does not want to lose in front of his own public. Therefore, my preparation is very serious," said Hebi, as quoted from Antara.

"After the fight in Bangkok, last March, I immediately trained again because initially this fight was scheduled for May. I am quite optimistic because of the support from the sports science team, the sports nutrition team, and coach David John Treharne," he added.

Hebi currently holds the IBA Intercontinental and WBC Asian Boxing Council Continental lightweight titles with a record 18 wins (13 knockouts), one loss, and one draw.

In the last match, he defeated Phissannu Chimsunthom at the Ambassador Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand, March 4, 2023.

Hebi is not the first Indonesian boxer to appear in Japan, especially at the Ariake Arena. The previous generations of Hebi who appeared in Japan included Chris John, Daudy Bahari, and Nico Thomas. Nico even felt the splendor of the Ariake Arena.

Meanwhile, Imanaga is a 23-year-old boxer who started a professional career last year. Even though it was relatively new, he won three matches with KO results. Currently, Imanaga is under the auspices of Ohashi Promotions, who also handles Inoue.