Ellyas Pical

Ellyas Pical (born 24 March 1960) is an Indonesian former boxer, the first world boxing champion from the country, and is a three-time IBF Super flyweight champion (1985–1989).

Life and career

In his childhood, Pical was a pearl diver, diving without equipment. Pical is of Ambonese/Moluccan heritage. Pical's nickname "The Exocet" was given by the press referring to his left-hand punch. The name comes from the French-made missiles used to against the Royal Navy by the Argentine Air Force during the Falklands War, which happened in 1982 during Pical's era. He was inspired to become a boxer by watching boxing matches on television. He got his title with this left-hand punch, knocking out defending champion Ju-Do Chun. At that time, Pical was only the second man from Indonesia to fight for a world title, following Thomas Americo (defeated by Saoul Mamby for the WBC Super lightweight title in Jakarta in 1981).

In 1987, after issues with his managers Simson Tambunan and Anton Sihotang, as well as short-term managers Dali Sofari dan Khairus Sahel He eventually took singer Melky Goeslaw as his manager and Enteng Tanamal as assistant manager.

On February 28, 1987, he challenged for the WBA title against Thai holder, future International Boxing Hall of Fame member Khaosai Galaxy at Senayan Stadium, Jakarta. He was defeated by TKO (referee stoppage) in the 14th round. At first, the bout was scheduled to unify the 115 lb WBA and IBF titles, as Pigal was the IBF champion for the second time and he was retained once. However, the IBF did not approve it and stripped him following that.

Pical lives with his wife Rina Siahaya Pical, a dentist, and his sons Lorinly and Matthew. Pical currently works on the staff of KONI - Indonesian Olympic Committee.

Biographical film

His biography has created a film released in Ellyas Pical on March 21, 2024 on Prime Video.

Professional boxing record

References

Footnotes

Bibliography

"Patah Arang Dli-Elly" [Broken Connections Between Dli and Elly]. Tempo (in Indonesian). 13 June 1987. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 1 February 2012.