Indonesian Boxer Hero Tito in Coma after Sunday’s fight in Jakarta.
By Carlos Costa PhilBoxing.com Tue, 01 Mar 2022
Our prayers are with veteran Indonesian lightweight boxer Hero “The Lion” Tito (29-16-2, 11 KO's), who fell into a coma from blows received during a tough national title fight Sunday, February 27, at the plush Holywings Night Club Gatot Subroto located in Indonesia's' Capital, Jakarta.
The 35-year-old Hero Tito (whose birth name is Heru Purwanto), engaged in a hard-fought rumble against fellow Indonesian veteran boxer James Mokoginta (41-18-3, 27 KO's) in a scheduled 10-rounder battle for the vacant Indonesian Boxing Association (ATI/IBA) National Lightweight Title live on national TV.
The very rough, impressive outcome unfolded around the 2:00 minute mark in chapter 7 when a massive right uppercut thrown by Mokoginta landed devastatingly hard on Tito's jaw sending Tito backwards down to the blue canvas flat on his back.
Hearing the third man's count, the visibly hurt Tito tried to regain his feet by sitting for a few seconds on the ring while listening to the count as he wanted to make an attempt to get up.
Sadly, tragically, Tito collapsed back down totally unconscious, falling into a coma from where he hasn't yet awakened.
The prior six rounds were very hard fought with the seemingly bigger-looking Mokoginta coming-forward at him, hitting the brave Tito with solid blows.
An experienced fighter, Hero Tito has been an active pro boxer during the last 16 years, in which he has won 29 times in 47 bouts, lost 16 battles, with 5 of those defeats coming by way of knockout.
His last loss was a round 6 TKO loss nearly 3 years ago in Melbourne, Australia.
Being so active through the years, Tito has been a well-known boxer in his beautiful native land of Indonesia, his difficult situation as well as the result of the operation currently having an unknown outcome.
Tito's rumble against the 31-year-old James Mokoginta was seen by fans as an acceptable match-up between two capable, proven combatants, although Mokokinga was favorite to come out victorious.
The sad development of Tito Hero’s collapse has become an instant cause of concern for all in the boxing family.
About it, Indonesian lady matchmaker Rosa Kasuna Jang commented to Philboxing:
"Tito is currently still unconscious after brain hemorrhage surgery.
"Sad to see his current situation.
"Tito's wife and his first child, who is 13-year-old, are waiting, praying for dad at Mitra Keluarga Kelapa Gading Hospital in northern Jakarta.
"I pray and hope that he will come back to health."
Meanwhile, young Filipino promoter/matchmaker Brico Santig of Highland Boxing Team shared:
"Our sport of boxing is really rough, we all know that, and sometimes so sad accidents like this occur in the ring.
"That's why referees must be ready to protect all boxers in all fights, everywhere, at all times. I pray to our Lord Jesus for Tito to recover fast."
Also, Indonesian promoter Nelson E. Nainggolan, the manager of James Mokoginta commented to Philboxing.com minutes ago.
"Me and my boxer feel terribly sad and worry.
"My boxer James Mokoginta fought Hero Tito, knocking him out.
"Hero Tito is still in bad shape hospital, now unconscious, I hope he comes back to health."
We could not feel sadder for what is happeneing. We keep on praying for Tito. Amen."
Sunday’s very dramatic event was a production of young promoter Armin Tan, supervised by the Indonesian Boxing Association (IBA/ATI), live on Indonesia's NET TV.
The few seconds leading to the fateful knockout can be seen in this YouTube video. Viewer discretion is advised.
Indonesian amateur and pro boxing associations are currently raising donations to help the devastated family in this site: https://kitabisa.com/campaign/351814
Philboxing.com wishes brave Indonesian boxer Hero “The Lion” Tito full recovery. We pray for you. Get well fast champ!
The author Senior Columnist Carlos Costa can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and WhatsApp +639184538152.
