KUCHING: Sarawakian boxer Daeloniel Mcdelon Bong, affectionately known as ‘Kilat Boy’, is showing no signs of slowing down.
He is preparing for his first title defence, scheduled to take place in Bangkok next month.
The Sri Aman pugilist made history by becoming the first Sarawakian to win the Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) championship belt after successfully clinching the ABF bantamweight title in Bangkok on Oct 26.
However, his challenger for the next match has not been decided yet.
“I am very happy with this achievement because it’s the first time I’ve brought this championship to Bumi Kenyalang. This is a significant milestone in Sarawak boxing.
“For my next preparation, I will get ready for the first title defence in Bangkok on Dec 28.
“Preparations have already begun since I stayed in Nilai last Monday,” he told reporters upon his arrival at Kuching International Airport on Sunday evening (Nov 5).
Daeloniel became the first boxer from Sarawak and the second in Malaysia to win the ABF championship after defeating Thai boxer Artid Bamrungauea in the bantamweight category match on Oct 26. He won by a technical knockout (TKO) in the third round.
He described the recent match as tough due to the pressure from his opponent. However, he managed to read his opponent’s movements and knocked him down in the third round with a powerful combination of punches.
“In the second round and early in the third round, I was toe-to-toe with my opponent, and I threw more body punches at him, continuing with my combination,” he added.
Daeloniel cited Muhammad Ali, the American professional boxer, as his idol, saying that he incorporated Ali’s footwork into his boxing style.
He also drew inspiration from Sarawak’s own boxer and 1998 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Sapok Biki, as well as Pilipino Manny Pacquiao.
