TRIBUNNEWS.COM, JAKARTA – With approximately one week remaining, Hebi Marapu nearly completed combat training program Al Toyogon in the fight for the IBA Intercontinental Lightweight Championship belt, Dec. 25, 2022, in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
The Hebi vs Toyogon party is the main party along with the Johor International Boxing Championship event, which was hosted by FH Promotions and XBC Sportech, featuring a fight for the bridgerweight class belt. UK Asia between Malaysian boxer Muhamad Farkhan and Iranian Yousof Mohammadiosmanvandi.
Hebi called Toyogon a tough opponent. In addition, this Filipino boxer was able to serve the former lightweight world champion UK, Jorge Linares before finally losing on points in a 10 round fight.
This 24-year-old boxer has a record of 13 wins (9 KOs), 7 losses and a draw.
“He’s a tough opponent, and this is my first time against a Filipino boxer. However, I have to face tougher opponents if I want to progress and keep growing. By facing tough opponents, I can also measure my abilities”, he is a boxer from West Sumba.
Hebi has been training intensively under Canadian coach David John Treharne since late November. Currently, the training program is entering its final stages and Hebi says he is in much better shape compared to his previous preparations.
“Trainer Dave is very strict about my weight. He didn’t want me to drop the weight so drastically that it was below the regulations. He wanted me to get my weight back at the official weigh-in. He also continues to bring technical improvements and developing strategies for the game later,” Hebi said.
While preparing the battle plan, the sports science team conducted a physiological analysis of Toyogon from the various match records they had managed to achieve. The results of this analysis then became input for David in designing a battle plan.
After a three-week training program, David was pleased with Hebi’s determination and said they would be ready in time.
“Hebi has been training very hard. He is keeping his weight well, and once the weight comes on he will be very strong and fast. We are on the right track,” David said.
In line with Hebi, David also praised Toyogon as a tough boxer and he didn’t want to underestimate Toyogon.
“We know Filipino boxers, they are very tough. They came to fight. But we are also ready. We will try to do better in each round. We are not aiming for the knockout, but if there is an opportunity, of course, we will not let it pass. We have prepared a plan, and we want to fight according to our plan, of course,” said the coach who has lived in Thailand for over 30 years.
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