Interior boxers gunning for champions title
KOTA KINABALU: The combined Interior team of Keningau and Tambunan are determined to spring a surprise in their maiden outing in the President Cup Boxing Championship taking place at the Luyang Hall near here from April 23-25.
To be exact, team manager Fabian Tony Peter said, the squad were hoping to return with the champions title.
Fabian also hoped that a good showing at the championship would not only provide the team a good preparation but also an injection of conficence in their title defence of the Mayor’s Cup Sabah Open Championship in July.
For next week’s championshp, Fabian said Interior would be sending eight athletes from Keningau and Tambunan.
They are William Peter of Keningau competing in the 49kg category, Fabio Peter Fabian (Tambunan - 52kg), Frinkline J. Liman (Tambunan - 56kg), Moen Justinus (Keningau - 60kg), Kevin Albert (Keningau - 64kg), Jeamsson Johnny (Tambunan - 68kg), Samuel J. Michael (Keningau - 75kg) and Addle Joel (Tambunan - 81kg).
And the team will not be short of qualities in their quest for the overall title.
William was a gold medallist in the Sabah Games (SAGA) 2017 in Sandakan while Samuel won a gold in the Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2016 in Sarawak.
Addle, on the other hand, was a gold medallist in the State Junior Championship 2018 and Fabio was the Best Boxing Athlete in the State Junior 2017 and the PreSukma Tournament 2018.
However, Rendell R. Kadayum will be the notable name missing from Team Interior squad for the championship as work commitment prevented him from taking to the ring in the 60kg category.
“Rendell will only rejoin the team for the Mayor’s Cup challenge ,” added Fabian here yesterday.
Meanwhile, Fabian, who is also Sabah Amateur Boxing Association vice president and coach, advised the athletes to fully utilise the time left to prepare for the President Cup.
“The Keningau-based athletes will train at the Bingkor mini hall while those from Tambanan to train at the Tambunan Sports Complex,” said Fabian who is Tambunan District Boxing Association president and coach.
Fabian will be assisted by Timmy A. Mylon to train the Tambunan-based boxers while Arthur Udang is coaching the Keningau athletes.