Chairman of the Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association (Pertina) Brigadier General Johni Asadoma informed Antara here on Tuesday (June 11) that the number of boxers participating, including those from aboard, had reached 300.
"According to the committee's data, some 300 boxers from 27 countries, including those from the Americas and Australia continents, are taking part," Asadomo remarked.
Several countries whose boxers are vying for glory comprise Afghanistan, the United States, Australia, China, China Taipei, Gambia, Hong Kong, India, Iraq, South Korea, North Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan, as well as Indonesia as the host.
"We have confirmed that the implementation will be on July 22, with the venue of the match near the Gorontalo beach, Pantai Pede, KM 5 Labuan Bajo," he remarked.
Asadomo is optimistic that the international boxing tournament would run successfully. The committee's performance will determine the success of the championship. Hence, the committee must remain highly committed to working to the best of its abilities.
"If the committee does not put in serious efforts, we are certain that this international event will not be successful. Hence, we should fulfill our duties with utmost responsibilities and commitment," the chairman noted.
The international boxing tournament is held in accordance with the 2019 working program of the Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association (Pertina) and the calendar of the International Boxing Association (AIBA).
Johni explained that the categories and classes to be competed in the international boxing championship comprise women's elite classes for the age group of 19-40 years and men's elite classes for those lying in the 19-40 age bracket.
Categories for the women's elite class boxers are Light Fly 48 Kg, Fly 51 Kg, Bantam 54 Kg, Feather 57 Kg, Light 60 Kg, and Light Welter 64 Kg.
Categories for the men's elite class boxers comprise Light Fly 46 Kg, Fly 49 Kg, Light Bantam 52 Kg, Bantam 56 Kg, Light 60 Kg, Light Welter 64 Kg, Welter 69 Kg, and Light Middle 75 Kg.
The competition system follows international standards, wherein each match is held in three rounds, with three minutes allotted for every round, with a rest of one minute.
Boxers, unable to win, can no longer compete, so two boxers will be placed third in each class.
"The male boxers do not use the Head Guard and solely the women boxers. The jury's decision on the winner cannot be contested," he emphasized.
Translator: Kornelis / Azis Kurmala
Editor: Bambang Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
