Sarawak makes bid to host WBC Asia tournament in May
KUCHING: Sarawak will bid to host the World Boxing Championships (WBC) Asia tournament.
This is according to Sarawak Amateur Boxing Association (Saba) president Dato Rahman Lariwoo who will submit the proposal to the WBC and is expecting the decision by the end of this month.
“If agreed, the WBC championship match will be held at the Petra Jaya Indoor Stadium on May 18.
“I have discussed this matter with the Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah who agreed and was proud of our initiative to bring this championship to Sarawak,” he told reporters at the Kuching International Airport on Monday.
Rahman was there with Saba exco to welcome Daeloniel McDelon Bong aka “Kilat Boy” who returned from Dhaka, Bangladesh.
“I am confident that we can host this championship based on our success in organising the previous two editions of the Sarawak Open.
“If Sarawak is accepted as the host, we will create another history in the boxing arena,” said Rahman who added that well known fighters from 10 countries are expected to participate in this prestigious tournament.
Before this event, the Sarawak Open Boxing Championship will be organised to give local boxers a chance to compete.
“Of course, the Sarawak Open is for the preparation of our Sukma athletes. We have many talented athletes and this is the platform for them to test their abilities,” Rahman said.
Meanwhile, he expressed his hope that Daeloniel can continue his momentum to win the WBC fight in the bantamweight event later.
For the record, Kilat Boy confirmed his slot in WBC Asia after he recorded a draw in the ‘Path To Glory’ fight against Resatul Mahmud Sajin of Bangladesh at Kemal Ataturk Park, Banani, Dhaka on Feb 17.
If Sarawak is accepted as the host, we will create another history in the boxing arena.
Dato Rahman Lariwoo