KO Victory Over Italian Boxer In Switzerland Is Hebi Marapu's First Step Towards International Title

Indonesian boxer, Hebi Marapu. (ANTARA/HO-XBC Sportech Photo)

JAKARTA - Indonesian boxer, Hebi Marapu, made good results when competing at the Boxen Statt Theater, Bern, Switzerland, Friday April 15 yesterday. He defeated Italian boxer Nicola Cipolletta by knockout (KO) in the second round.

This victory became the basis for Hebi Marapu to take the next step. XBC Sportech CEO, Urgyen Rinchen Sim, has designed a roadmap for Hebi Marapu in his pursuit of international titles.

Simon, Urgyen Rinchen Sim's nickname, said the Indonesian boxer has proven his ability and winning mentality.

"Of course we are happy with the result of this fight because Yansen (Hebi Marapu's nickname) shows that he is a boxer who has skills and a winning mentality," Simon said in a written statement, as reported by Antara, Saturday, April 16.

"We have designed a roadmap for Yansen's career so that this year he can again become a champion in the international boxing body," he continued.

In the lightweight (61kg) duel against Cipolletta, Hebi Marapu appeared convincing with a combination of left and right hooks which ended with an uppercut.

"First, I thank God for this victory. I also thank XBC Sportech as my management who has given me the opportunity to fight in Europe. I am grateful that I can repay the trust with this victory," said Hebi Marapu.

He also admitted that this victory could not be separated from the hard work and strategies prepared with the team before the match.

"Before the fight, we had arranged a strategy to explore opponents in the first round. From the start I felt I could win. So, I took the opportunity in the second round and succeeded," said the boxer from Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara.

For Hebi Marapu, this will be the first match in Europe as well as a comeback after losing to the late Hero Tito at Balai Sarbini Convention Hall, Jakarta on April 14, 2021. Overall, Hebi Marapu bagged a record 16 wins with 12 of them being won with results KO and one loss.

Throughout his professional career, Hebi is also noted to have won the WBC Asian Boxing Council Silver lightweight title. Precisely on March 10 2018 after winning the ninth round KO over Thai boxer Phutthiphong Rakoon at Cilandak Town Square, Cilandak, Jakarta.