BINTULU: Texas Jeremy Lo overcame a first-round deficit to clinch gold in the 54-57 kg male category of the 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA) muay thai competition with a final score of 29-23 against Penang’s Muhamad Hakimi Nordin.
In the first round, Texas trailed by two points, with Hakimi leading 11-9. The latter’s height advantage made it challenging for Texas to effectively use his kicks.
However, Texas’s father and coach Jeremy Lo could be heard from outside the ring urging him to “use your punches”.
As the second round began, Texas’ speed and precision became evident.
He landed a series of rapid punches and gave Hakimi no room to breathe, closing the distance, and making the height difference irrelevant.
Texas scored 14 points in this round, while Hakimi could only manage seven, visibly frustrated by his opponent’s agility.
The crowd erupted in cheers for Texas, chanting his name — “Texas, Texas, Texas” — which reverberated around Naim Paragon Street Mall on Tuesday (Aug 20).
Texas looked at the scoreboard and he knew he had a lead, and focused on maintaining his strategy of precise punches and kicks, adding another six points in the final round to secure victory with a score of 29-23.
Jeremy Lo told New Sarawak Tribune that the game plan had to be adjusted, especially in the second round.
“The guy (Hakimi) is a lot taller, so he scored a few points with his longer reach. We tweaked the game plan, telling Texas to go faster and score more clearly, and he executed it well,” he said.
Jeremy revealed that Texas would return to Kuching, continue training at the Powerhouse Gym in Phuket, and compete in a professional fight in Thailand next month.
“As a father and coach, I’m very proud. Texas put in a lot of hard work, not just during training but also watched his diet. Now, he can enjoy a pizza and whatever he wants,” he said.
