Sarawak to welcome global boxing elite for WBC Championship

Sarawak has been selected as the host for the prestigious World Boxing Championship (WBC) 2024 in an unprecedented move for Malaysian boxing. This landmark event is set to take place in Kuching on May 11, drawing professional boxing champions from across the globe to the vibrant city.

The confirmation of Sarawak’s selection as the host came directly from WBC Asian Boxing Council President, Col Thanapol Bhakdibhumi, during a significant meeting with Sarawak Amateur Boxing Association (SABA) President, Dato Rahman Lariwoo, in Bangkok.

Dato Rahman Lariwoo expressed his gratitude to the Sarawak Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, particularly its Minister, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, for their support and vision in bringing such a prestigious event to Sarawak. He emphasized that this marks a historic moment for both Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole, as it is the first time that the WBC championship is being organized in the country.

The WBC matches will coincide with the Sarawak Open, scheduled from May 6 to 10 at the Petra Jaya Indoor Stadium. This alignment underscores the commitment to elevate Sarawak’s status as a hub for international sporting events.

Dato Rahman Lariwoo disclosed that eight countries, including Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Thailand, the Philippines, France, and Brazil, have already confirmed their participation in the championship. The event will feature five WBC matches, offering contenders the chance to vie for the championship belt and valuable ranking points.

Clash of champions

One of the most anticipated bouts will feature Sarawak’s own boxing champion, Dealoniel Mcdelon Bong, popularly known as Kilat Boy, in the Bantamweight category. Kilat Boy is slated to face off against the defending champion from Thailand, promising an electrifying showdown that will put Sarawak’s boxing prowess on display.

Dato Rahman Lariwoo also revealed plans to potentially bring world-renowned boxing icon Manny Pacquiao from the Philippines to Kuching to further elevate the WBC Championship. Discussions are underway with the SABA Exco and the state government to organize a fitting program to welcome the boxing legend to Sarawak.

In addition to the excitement surrounding the WBC Championship, the Sarawak Open serves as a crucial platform for local boxers to prepare for the upcoming 21st Malaysian Games (SUKMA) scheduled for August.

With preparations in full swing and anticipation building, Sarawak braces itself to host a world-class sporting spectacle that will not only showcase top-tier boxing talent but also spotlight the region’s growing prominence in the global sports arena.