By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 26: Sarawak’s rising boxing talent, Gideon Riquelme Jonathan, will make his professional debut at the World Boxing Council (WBC) World Championship in Bangkok on March 29, where he will face Australian contender Lucas Jhon Holmes in the Middleweight 70kg category.
According to a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, the 22-year-old SUKMA XXI (21st Malaysia Games) gold medallist said he is eager to claim his first victory on the professional stage and is intensifying his training ahead of his departure for Thailand on March 27.
“I don’t want to be overconfident… but I’m prepared to give my very best to win this fight,” Gideon said during an interview at a Ramadan breaking fast event hosted by the Sarawak Amateur Boxing Association (SABA) at a leading hotel here today.
SABA president Dato Rahman Lariwoo expressed pride in Gideon’s achievements, noting that he follows in the footsteps of fellow Sarawakian boxer Daeloniel McDelon Bong, also known as ‘Kilat Boy’.
“Given his track record in tournaments such as SUKMA and SUKSAR (Sarawak Games), including previous bouts in Thailand, I believe Gideon has what it takes to secure a win,” said Rahman.
He urged boxing fans across Sarawak to rally behind Gideon as he aims to make the state and country proud on the international stage.
Rahman also extended his gratitude to the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED), Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS), and SABA’s coaching team for their continued support in nurturing successful boxers.
During the event, Rahman presented a financial incentive to Gideon to aid his preparations for the upcoming fight. ‘Duit raya’ was also distributed to Sarawak’s SUKMA boxing team.
Also present were SABA vice president Jonny Ting Su King and the association’s coaching staff. — DayakDaily
