SRI AMAN, Sarawak boxers must capitalise on their home ground support if they are to dominate the boxing events at the 2024 Malaysia Games (SUKMA).
Sarawak boxing sensation Daeloniel McDelon Bong urged the state’s boxers to use the presence of thousands of home fans at the Indoor Stadium of the Sri Aman Sports Complex here as an additional motivation each time they enter the ring for their bout.
The World Boxing Council (WBC) Asia Silver superbantamweight 55-kilogramme (kg) titleholder, however, said that this advantage should be complemented with thorough preparation supported by coaches, a strong fighting spirit and effective tactics, especially in identifying the opponent’s weaknesses.
‘Turn the ring into a goldmine for Sarawak. Use this SUKMA platform to pave the way for a bigger and more successful career in boxing than what I have achieved,’ he told reporters when met at the competition venue here yesterday.
The Sri Aman-born pugilist, also known as ‘Kilat Boy’, said SUKMA is the best stage to unea
rth young talent or backup boxers who can be groomed to reach a higher level.
Meanwhile, Clarkson Evans Tom Anak Frankie, the Sarawak boxer for the men’s 45-48kg weight category, said he is determined to deliver gold for the Land of the Hornbills in his maiden appearance in the biennial Games.
The confident 19-year-old, who hails from Kota Samarahan, admitted that he is in peak form to face any opponent, especially with the advantage of competing on home ground.
‘It’s true what my idol, Kilat Boy, said. Performing on home ground has its advantages. The proof is in the pudding as seen from my quarter-final bout against Penang’s Muhamad Mukhriz Khan Muzafar Khan (last night).
‘I had lost twice to Mukhriz, so I was quite nervous to face him again. But the cheers from the crowd gave me an extra boost to defeat him,’ he said after recording a 5-0 victory to advance to tomorrow’s semi-finals.
Boxing, which offers a total of 15 gold medals, is being held in Sri Aman until Aug 23.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
