Conquering the World Stage of Boxing (Part I)

"I want to be like Muhammad Ali," said young Ellyas Pical in one of the scenes of the Ellyas Pical biopic series.

Muhammad Ali was indeed a legend in the world of boxing. However, Ellyas Pical is also the idol of many Indonesian boxers since the 1980s until now, including Nico Thomas.

Ellyas Pical, which starred former basketball player Denny Sumargo as the legendary boxer, has been airing on the Prime Video streaming platform since March 21, 2024. Apart from recounting his glory days as the first Indonesian professional boxer to become world champion in IBF's super flyweight category, the dramatization also brings up his homeland, Maluku.

Pical comes from an underprivileged family from Saparua Island, while Nico is originally from Ambon, the capital city of Maluku. While Pical won his IBF world champion title in 1985, Nico became the second Indonesian pro boxer to win the IBF mini flying class world title in 1989. Of course, it is a great pride for Nico to be able to follow in Pical's footsteps even though in their old age the two left-handed boxers from "the Spice Islands" had different paths and fates.

"Previously, Ellyas Pical was the world champion. He was the champion in 1985. I watched Eli win. I was happy but a bit jealous. You know, the happy yet envious feeling," Nico recalled during an interview with Historia.

"I thought, if Eli can win the world championship, why can't I? We are both left-handed, both Ambonese, and both eat sago. This was my motivation," he continued in his distinctive Ambon accent.

I thought I won decisively but they decided it was a draw. I thought I won, so I was confused.

From Ambon to the World Stage

Nicholas "Nico" Thomas was born in Ambon on June 10, 1966 into a family of boxers. As the 12th of 16 children of Helena and Julianus Thomas, Nico was introduced to boxing early on because his older siblings were involved in amateur boxing.

"I got it from my family. My brother, Nyong Thomas, was the first. Then there was Charles Thomas, Alex Thomas, and so on, and then it came down to me. Nyong Thomas was the first to teach me. As a child, while I was still unfamiliar with letters, I already knew the jab and uppercut. The real training started in 1978 in Ambon. I was an amateur until 1986," Nico continued.

From 1978, Nico climbed his career ladder to the amateur level starting from the Ambon regional championship. He started winning in 1982, then made similar achievements at the junior national championship level in Jakarta in 1983, and a gold medal at the 1985 National Sports Week (PON) pre-qualification.

When representing the Indonesian contingent in the 1985 SEA Games boxing, Nico contributed a silver medal. Citing the BASOC (Thailand organizing committee) report, 13th SEA Games Official Report, Nico who fought in the men's -45 kg event had to admit his defeat to the host boxer Teerachai Semanuson of Thailand.

"I lost at the SEA Games because the host opponent felt cheated. I think that's one of the dark sides of sports. It's called a home decision, and I lost," Nico recalled bitterly.

After the 1985 PON, an offer for Nico to switch from amateur to pro level came from Tinton Suprapto. However, after discussing with his two brothers, Nyong and Charles, Nico decided to postpone it until the IX President's Cup, February 4-10, 1986, where Nico also successfully won gold in the 45 kg class.

"Mr. Tinton also came to watch. I won gold in the final. I beat Agus Maay. Then, I went pro for the first time with Mr. Tinton at Tonsco gym. The management, promoters, and Mr. Tinton himself really gave me the opportunity to go professional," he continued.

Nico made his professional debut in the mini flyweight class by challenging Kid Manguni in Malang on November 3, 1986. He managed to win by points. However, it wasn't until March 24, 1989 that he won the IBF title at Istora Senayan after defeating defending Thai champion Samuth Sithnaruepol in a bout promoted by Ferry Moniaga and under the supervision of the Indonesian Boxing Commission (KTI).

"At that time, there were 12 rounds. The entire Indonesia saw it on television. I thought I won decisively but they decided it was a draw. I thought I won, so I was confused," Nico recalled.

According to the BoxRec website, the Nico vs Samuth fight was led by referee John Reilly and two judges who were both IBF certified: John Cauchi and Leon Johannes. After 12 rounds, Cauchi gave a draw: 115-115, Johannes scored the fight in favor of Nico: 117-113, but referee Reilly scored it a draw by majority decision: 117-117.

"Minister of Youth and Sports) Akbar Tandjung was furious. He came down and called Tinton and Boy Bolang. At that time, we felt lied to and we asked for a rematch. At that time, if there was no intervention from the minister, there would be no rematch," he said.

"I myself didn't have the right to ask for a rematch because I was a challenger and Samuth was the defending champion. Then because it was a direct instruction from the minister, and coincidentally the President of the IBF, Robert Lee was also present, the rematch didn't take up to three months to be held," added Nico.

The rematch was held at the Senayan Hall on June 17, 1989 and was promoted by Martin Walewangko. Led by referee Abraham Pacheco and three judges: Hideo Arai, Louis Race, and Alex Villacampa, Nico's battle against Samuth was again presented in 12 intense rounds.

That time, Nico's struggle paid off. He won a unanimous score from the three judges: Arai 119-108, Race 115-111, and Villacampa 115-111. At last, Nico wrapped the IBF version of the world champion belt around his waist while following Pical to become an Indonesian boxer who ever won the world title.*

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