KUCHING: It was a delightful surprise for Sarawak youth boxer Mohd Shafiq Hazziman Jefry when he emerged the champion in the flyweight pro in World Boxing Championship (WBC) Boxingfest Malaysia Debut 2017 at the Mid Valley Conference Centre in Kuala Lumpur, recently.
Mohd Shafiq, 19, beat an Indonesian boxer, Abdul Rauf in the fourth round.
“I’m very proud with Mohd Shafiq’s success as he made his first appearance in the world-class tournament.
“He is a talented boxer and his success comes as a result of all our efforts, Sarawak Boxing Association (SABA),” said the president of Sarawak Boxing Association, Dato Rahman Haji Lariwoo.
According to Rahman, Mohd Shafiq is a very disciplined boxer and always strives to advance himself. Even during Ramadan last month, he also underwent training under Filipino coach, Wilbur Andogan.
“We plan to bring a professional coach from the United States, Jow Clough to train Syafiq.
“He needs to undergo a more comprehensive training to expand his talent so he can represent the country at the Asian Games, the Commonwealth, and even to the Olympics,” said Rahman, who is also the manager of the Malaysia SEA Games boxing squad.
According to Dato Rahman, the Tatau-born talent, Bintulu, was first identified after he won a silver medal at the Malaysia Cup Boxing Championship last year despite being defeated by Fuad’s national number one boxer in the final.
“Mohd Syafiq is also amopng the national shadow squad has been absorbed in Sarawak’s Sukma shadow squad,” said Rahman.
Rahman also proposed to host the Pro Boxing Championship in Sarawak after the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games ended next month.
He said the tournament would give additional exposure to Mohd. Syafiq besides helping to raise his much-needed ranking to enable him to compete in a higher tournament.
“The pro boxing tournament will be held simultaneously with the Sarawak Cup Boxing Championship for nine state boxing centres. So far, boxers from India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Japan have agreed to join,” said Dato Rahman.
SABA has informed the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports, Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Sarawak Sports Corporation Chief Executive Officer Dr Ong Kong Swee and they agreed on the matter.
