After Mexican and Indons, Cataraja to be tested against Thai warrior

CEBU, Philippines - Former amateur standout Kevin Jake 'KJ' Cataraja still has a long way to go in his quest for boxing stardom but this early he has already set a goal to pursue and that is to follow in the footsteps of his idol, the sublime two-division world champion  Donnie 'Ahas' Nietes.

And nothing could inspire him more than to fight on the same card with Nietes, whose fairytale story did not only inspire him but also sparks a big influence in him as he strives to carve his own niche in Philippine boxing.

 With that in mind, the 21-year-old Cataraja (3-0, 2KOs) looks forward with excitement as he slugs it out with Chatchai Or Benjamas (5-7, 4KOs) of Thailand on the undercard of Nietes' WBO light flyweight title defense against Mexico's Raul "Rayito" Garcia headlining the 'Pinoy Pride 36: A Legend in the Making' fightcard on May 28 at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum in Bacolod City.

"Kuya Donnie (Nietes) is really my inspiration and my idol in boxing," said Cataraja. "I really want to follow in his footsteps. I want to be like him someday. I admire Kuya Donnie not only as great boxer but also as a very humble person."

Catajara made an impression in his first match against a Mexican foe, pounding out a unanimous decision over Tony Rodriguez during the "Pinoy Pride 35" last February 27 at the Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino. Before that, he scored two knockouts in succession against Indon fighters Ellias Ngenggo and Ardi Tefa.

"All of my fights so far were against foreign boxers and I like it because I am being tested this early in my career. This gives me a chance to prove that I am have what it takes to make it big time," said Cataraja.

Cataraja said he is close to his optimum fighting form especially that he has never stopped training. So far, he has logged in close to a hundred rounds of sparring session against his stablemates that include Nietes.

"With Kuya Donnie as one of my sparmates, it really helped me a lot in improving my skills. I know I got a lot of things to learn and sparring with him is just one way of elevating my skills," Cataraja added. (FREEMAN)