Esalas arrives in Australia, ready for Rabah

02.03.05 - By Harry Summers Jr.: Colombian Dairo Jose Esalas arrived in Western Australia today, focused on upsetting Tunisian-Australian “Chocolata” Naoufel Ben Rabah in their junior welterweight clash this Saturday for the latter’s WBO Asia Pacific title. Former Olympian Esalas comes to Australia with a professional mark of 28-5 (23)..

Esalas’ form has been erratic since getting knocked out in four rounds by current IBF lightweight champ Julio Diaz in 2001, but he is now back in contention courtesy of a surprise split points win over Terrence “The Heat” Cauthen last September. He is the current IBF #10.

Rabah, 22-1 (12), is undefeated in his last 15 fights, and has twice avenged his lone loss, a close decision to Fred Kinuthia. He is a flashy, quick-handed fighter, who has startled many foes with his excellent evasive skills. Rabah is currently the WBO #6 and IBF #15. Esalas will no doubt provide the 27-year-old with his biggest test to date.

The fight will be the main event on a four-fight card at the Hellenic Community Centre in Northbridge, Western Australia.

Also on the card will be:

* Junior middleweight (10 x 3): Daniel Dawson (18-0) vs. Jack Slowday (14-3-3)

* Lennox Allen (4-0) vs. Joe Lopez (1-0)

* Jeremy Allan (1-2-1) vs. Craig Gordon (1-0)

The show will kick off at 8PM. Those in Australia, for ticketing information call (08) 9240 8678.