WORLD super-featherweight boxing champion Jack Asis takes on Indonesia’s tough Hero Tito in Toowoomba, Queensland, on Saturday, June 27.
By JAIME K PIMENTEL
It will be the PinOz’s first match since winning the International Boxing Organisation (IBO) world title earlier this year.
“I believe it will be the first time a current world champion will fight in Toowoomba,” said Brendon Smith, Asis’ trainer and manager.
“On many occasions, we’ve had future world champions and past World champions fight here but I don’t think we’ve ever had a reigning champion fight here.
“This is a big occasion and one Jack requested.
“I had interest in fights further abroad both in Australia and overseas but Jack wanted this one in his adopted home town.
Smith said that Asis was “very parochial” about Toowoomba.
“I see this as being the most special fight of my career,” Asis said. ”First of all this night is all about my great friend Brayd Smith (who died in the ring earlier this year), so I strongly asked Sir Brendon for the chance to fight here on June 27.
“Brayd was a great friend, a great sparring partner and a great man who did a lot to help me ever since I moved to Toowoomba.
“The second reason this fight is so special is because I believe I owe Toowoomba so much.
“The way Toowoomba has embraced me has been amazing. This is home to me and my family (now) and we have so many friends here.”
But Smith said that while this was a great ‘sentimental fight’ Asis had big challenge ahead of him. “And by choosing to forego other opportunities, Asis has made this bout with Tito a must-win,” he said.
The Indonesian is coming off a tough 10-rounder in China three months ago.
“I watched Tito fight closely on that night,” Smith said. “That was against one of China’s rising prospects for the WBC Eurasia Pacific Boxing Council featherweight title and the WBA Asian Boxing Council feather weight title.
“He lost the fight by unanimous decision but he was more than competitive in the fight and at times looked as though he would score a knockout.
“He has good hands, he’s very durable, and I believe he’s a perfect test for Jack.”
So the Indonesian comes for a golden opportunity to wrest the world championship from Asis and return a true “Hero”.
Bring it on, says Asis with his trademark grin: “No problem, mate. ”Every fight for the last three years has been a must-win for me anyway.”
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PICTURE: Jack Asis, IBO world super-featherweight boxing champion.
