By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, June 13: Sarawakian boxer Daeloniel McDelon Bong has made the country proud when he emerged as champion in the 57kg category in the Pakistan Professional Boxing Championship last weekend.
Daeloniel, 23, who hails from Sri Aman, was the sole boxer representing Malaysia to participate in the event which was held on June 11 at Lalak Jan Stadium in Gilgit-Baltistan city.
He emerged as the champion in the 57 kg category after beating host country Pakistan’s Sikender Abbasi via technical knock out (TKO).
The tournament also featured participants from Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, South Korea and Nigeria.
Also known as Kilat Boy, Daeloniel who is of Iban-Chinese mix parentage said the TKO win in the 3rd round was a very valuable experience.
“I went through thorough preparations and training before this event as Sikendar has excellent boxing records throughout his career. I was also fighting on my opponent’s home ground with solid spectators who came to support him,” he told DayakDaily in Pakistan when contacted through the phone.
Daeloniel thanked Brico Langbay Santig from Highland Boxing Promotions and UW Boxing Promotions who believed in him, his ability and the opportunity to fight in such international event.
“My sincere gratitude also goes to coaches Wilbur Andogan and Sapok Biki, sparring partners, sponsors namely Datuk Dzoolcarnine Ahmad Lek and Sharon Bribrosh from Kuching Boxing Association, Coach Ting (SMK Serian) and M. Irfan from Boxing Gym (Brunei) for their contributions, as well as my family members and friends.” — DayakDaily
