Hebi Marapu Wins 2 Champion Belts After Giving KO To Thai Boxers

Two Marapu Hebi championship belts after crushing Thai boxers. (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Indonesian boxer Hebi Marapu managed to collect 2 championship belts after defeating Phissannu Chimsunthom in the second round of the 10 planned rounds.

This boxing match took place at the Ambassador Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, March 4.

With this victory, Hebi defended the WBC Asian Boxing Council Continental lightweight title as well as won the vacant Intercontinental IBA lightweight championship belt.

"First of all, I thank God for this victory. I also thank the management of XBC Sportech who put my trust in me so that now I can have two championship belts," said Hebi as quoted by ANTARA, Sunday, March 5.

This victory made Hebi's record fighting 18 wins (13 knockouts), one loss, and one draw. Meanwhile, Phissanu, who is from Thailand, has a record 47 wins (16 knockouts), 10 defeats (8 KOs), and two draws.

From the start, this 34-year-old boxer fought with the discipline of throwing a left jab to dismantle the opponent's defense. Phissannu himself performed quite well with agile body and leg movements to avoid Hebi's punches.

After exploring the opponent's style enough, Hebi started throwing a lot of combinations of punches in the second round. Towards the middle of the second round, a right hook of Hebi made Phissannu fall.

Entering the last 50 seconds, Phissannu fell for the second time due to Hebi's right hand and was again counted by the referee. It didn't stop there, Hebi's right hook made the opponent fall down for the third time and the referee stopped the match.

Hebi received a direct championship belt from WBC Asian Boxing Council President Kol. Thanapol Bhakdibhumi and IBA President Stephane Cabrera. After the match, Hebi said the two championship belts increased self-confidence, but had not made him feel satisfied.

"These two titles make me confident that I can move to a higher level. I am not satisfied with my current achievements and are still eyeing a bigger title," the boxer from West Sumba added.