BY EDWINNIE EINSTEIN UNJI AND JAMES WONG
KUCHING: The Sarawak Amateur Boxing Association (SABA) is optimistic about clinching the overall champion title in boxing at the upcoming 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA), according to its president Datuk Rahman Lariwoo.
To bolster Sarawak’s chances, the association has enhanced its coaching roster by hiring experts from the Philippines, some of whom have worked with boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.
“Sarawak is aiming to be the overall champion at SUKMA, which is why we are bringing in the best coaches,” he told reporters after watching a sparring session between Daeloniel ‘Kilat Boy’ Mcdelon Bong and Herlan Gomez from the Philippines at the Sarawak Elite Boxing Centre in Stadium Sarawak yesterday (Apr 20).
“Our boxers are undergoing intensive training under these coaches, with sessions held every morning and evening. So there is no reason why Sarawak cannot achieve the overall champion in boxing this time,” he added.
Rahman also highlighted the importance of exposure tournaments such as the upcoming Sarawak Open. This event will help assess the capabilities of local boxers against international participants from Sri Lanka, Medan, Kalimantan, and Nepal.
“It’s a good opportunity to test our boxers’ skills,” he noted.
Following the Sarawak Open, he will lead the team on a training circuit that includes visits to a sports school in Thailand, Tanjung Pinang in Indonesia and Bajau in the Philippines before SUKMA.
Rahman said that securing at least six gold medals is crucial for Sarawak to claim the overall champion title in boxing, a feat the state has yet to achieve.
“This target, set by the State government, serves as motivation for us to secure at least six gold medals. I am confident that our programme will lead us to reach this goal,” he said.
In other news, Kilat Boy is preparing for a bout with Thailand’s Yutthichai Wannawong at the World Boxing Championship (WBC) Asia Silver Super Bantamweight Championship on May 11, at the Petra Jaya Multipurpose Stadium.
The match will consist of 10 rounds in the Super Bantamweight category, with a cash prize of USD 2,700 for the winner.
The event will be officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
