Daud Yordan Returns to the Ring for the Laga di Khatulistiwa

Indonesian boxing icon Daud ‘The Senator’ Yordan is set to make his highly anticipated return to the ring on September 7th. The match, titled 'Laga di Khatulistiwa' or 'Fight at the Equator,' will take place at GOR Ayani in Pontianak, West Kalimantan. In this bout, Daud will be vying for the IBA (International Boxing Association) world title in the super lightweight division.

Daud’s opponent for the event is Buenos Aires native, Hernan Leandro Carrizo, who comes into the fight with an impressive record of 18 wins (8 K.O.) and just 1 loss. In contrast, Daud boasts a much longer career with 42 victories (30 K.O.) and 4 losses under his belt.

Carrizo was a late replacement for Daud’s original opponent, Juan Hernan Leal, who had to withdraw due to a serious head injury sustained during training. Leal’s retirement opened the door for Carrizo to step in and face one of Indonesia’s greatest boxers.

Daud’s Triumphant Return

Daud Yordan, a proud native of Kayong Utara, West Kalimantan, last fought in July 2022, where he claimed a knockout victory over Thailand’s Panya Uthok at the Balai Sarbini Convention Hall. That win allowed him to defend his WBC Asian Silver Super Lightweight title, which he had secured in 2021. At 37 years old, Daud remains a dominant force in the sport, holding multiple prestigious titles, including the IBA World Superlight and WBO Oriental Superlight championships, which he earned by defeating South African Michael Mokoena in 2019.

Carrizo, on the other hand, last saw action in his home country, winning his most recent fight against fellow Argentinian Diego Alberto Chavez.

In a recent statement, Daud dismissed any rumors of retirement, declaring this upcoming bout as just the beginning of his boxing resurgence. "This is not my final fight; it's a new start after nearly two years away due to my political commitments," Daud said on Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024.

A Fight at Home

Training for this fight has taken place in Daud’s hometown of Sukadana, Kayong Utara. For the seasoned boxer, fighting in Pontianak holds special meaning. "Pontianak is my home. This fight is my way of giving thanks to the people of West Kalimantan who entrusted me to represent them as a senator in the DPD RI," Daud shared.

Promoter and MPRO International President Director, Gustiantira, expressed pride in organizing Daud’s return to the ring, especially for the people of West Kalimantan, who are eager to see their local hero in action. "We are incredibly proud to host this major event. Daud Yordan vs. Hernan Leandro Carrizo is a fight that fans have been eagerly waiting for, especially here in Indonesia. Daud wants to prove that age is just a number, and he has promised to knock out his opponent to show he’s still at the top of his game," said Gustiantira.

Gustiantira further emphasized the significance of this event for Indonesian boxing, stating, “This fight marks the revival of our region as a breeding ground for athletes, both on the national and international stages. Indonesia has Daud Yordan as its international boxing star, and we hope this fight will inspire other regions to host more world-class events, sparking the rise of many more champions like Daud.”

For Daud Yordan, this fight is more than just about defending his titles—it’s about cementing his legacy as one of Indonesia’s greatest athletes. As he steps back into the ring, he does so with the weight of a nation’s hopes on his shoulders, yet his calm demeanor reflects his experience. Whether it’s his love for his home region or his desire to continue excelling in the sport, Daud is ready to show the world that his time in the ring is far from over.

This fight promises to be an electrifying event, filled with emotion, skill, and the spirit of a true champion looking to prove that he’s still at the top of his game. The people of West Kalimantan—and boxing fans around the world—will be eagerly watching.

Tickets can be purchased through the online platform tiket.com or at the GOR Ayani ticket booth, which opened on September 3rd, 2024.