Action’ Jackson ready to put heat on Rakkiatgym!

19.02.04 – By Tony Nobbs: Adelaide’s loyal African King Jackson Asiku and trainer Austin Taylor head out to Bangkok, Thailand on Sunday for the former Ugandan Olympians IBF Pan Pacific Featherweight title fight with Fahprakorb Rakkiatgym on Thursaday the 26th of February. The 25 year old Asiku, with an 11-2 slate, 7 KO’s goes in to the fight full of confidence after a solid reparation and a strong performance in his last bout, an eight rounder with Gairy St Claire on December 12. Justin Taylor told Eastside last night (Thursday) that Asiku is “red hot” to not just take the regional belt but the Thai’s number ten world ating as well. “There is a lot on the line in this fight. If Jackson can bring home the bacon, who knows what can happen”.

“Jackson has sparred well. He had his last spar tonight actually and is going good. He’s been running well and he knows he really has to give it to this bloke. I think he can knock him out. He’s fit so he is punching hard and will be able to do it or twelve rounds. He’s got the ability to stop this kid. He (Rakkiatgym) is a southpaw and Jackson don’t mind fighting them. He’s gotta perform. This is the biggest fight of his life”.

While he will be fighting in Bangkok’s horrendous heat, Asiku has been doing the rounds in 40 degree heat at the Golden Grove Gym in Adelaide. “It’s 40 degree outside. I don’t know what it is in the gym under a tin roof. Going over there might be a nice cool change for us mate” said Taylor who took in a large team of African boxers after the Sydney Olympics.

Apart from Jackson, only two more remain. Kenyan Lt Welter Fred Kinuthia fights Michael Katsidis for the national title tonight (minus Taylor) and Nigerian Roger Izon, brother of David, who has had two cracks at Australian heavyweight crown.

This will be Asiku’s second fight outside Australia as a professional. Prior to the very debatable decision loss to St Claire, the former Commonwealth Games Bronze medallist stopped Moses Seran in five rounds in Indonesia in August.

The 28 year old Rakkiatgym, (38-3, 23 KO) was last in action winning this belt by outpointing Roberto Dalisay over twelve on October 14. He challenged for the IBF 122 lb crown in 2002, and was stopped in one round by Manny Pacquiao. That was the only time he has really stepped up.

A former WBF Bantamweight champion he has stopped all three of his previous Australian opponents, Johnny Binge, Barry Swell and Lucas Matthew. If Asiku’s showings against the likes of St Claire (L8) Nadel Hussein (L10), Serikzahan (W12) and Arnel Barratillo (WTD7) are any guide ‘Action’ Jackson has an excellent chance of gaining Aussie revenge and giving Taylor a much deserved break.

A parting word from Austin. “Tony, I’m very confident he can go over there and do the job”.