KUCHING: Sarawakian professional boxer Daeloniel Mcdelon Bong is training with Filipino champion Herlan Gomez in preparation for the 2024 World Boxing Championship on May 11 at the Petra Jaya Multipurpose Stadium.
Known as ‘Kilat Boy’, Daeloniel saw the sparring sessions with Gomez as an invaluable experience.
He is eager to absorb techniques and tactics from Gomez, who is the WBC Asia Continental Bantamweight Champion and ABF Asia Bantamweight Champion.
“I feel extremely fortunate to be able to train with such an experienced boxer like Herlan Gomez. We will maximise our training time together,” he told reporters after their sparring session at the Sarawak Elite Boxing Centre in Sarawak Stadium yesterday (Apr 20).
Discussing his strategy for the upcoming match on May 11, Daeloniel remains humble yet deliberate.
“I don’t underestimate him; he’s better than me. I won’t slack off in training and I acknowledge his advantages and experience. I expect a good fight.
“I have studied my opponent’s tactics; he has advantages, especially in height (178cm vs. my 164cm). His height is an advantage now, but I’ll strategise for our bout,” he added.
The sparring event was attended by Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development permanent secretary Morshidi Fredrick, Sarawak Amateur Boxing Association (SABA) president Datuk Rahman Lariwoo and Sarawak SUKMA Boxing Manager Jamal Shaikh Abdullah.
