‘Thunder’ will strike!
Supporting act for Manny-Matthysse bout out to pack a punch
PETALING JAYA: From herding cows to a budding career in professional boxing, Theena Thayalan has indeed come a long way.
Theena, who grew up helping his parents herd cows in Semenyih, will be the pride of the nation when he steps out to the ring at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil next month.
Theena will be representing Malaysia in a supporting show at the upcoming World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight title fight between Manny Pacquiao and Lucas Matthysse mega boxing show on July 15.
The 20-year-old will be one of the first Malaysians to represent the country at the highest level of boxing.
“I can’t imagine earning a fight like these. These two – Manny and Matthysse are superstars in the boxing world,” said Theena.
“To be the supporting show for their fight will be a huge experience.
“I am so excited and I can’t wait for the moment to come. Good prepara-
tion will be the key as I want to win in my own backyard,” said the optimistic Theena. And it is not just wishful thinking on Theena’s part.
Going by the nickname “Thunder”, the young boxer is taking all the right steps to become a world champion contender in his sport one day.
Theena has yet to lose since he turned pro less than a year ago. He has won five bouts, two of them by knockouts.
His first professional bout was one to savour – a 25-second knockout victory over Yudi Hartanto of Indonesia in Kuala Lumpur.
And how did Theena become a boxer in the first place?
“My father herds cows and he still does in Semenyih. I helped him when I was a kid. I always get bullied at school but one day a friend asked me to take up boxing,” said Theena.
“I was in Form 2 (14 years of age) at that time. My parents never stopped me from doing anything. They told me that I’m responsible for what I do.
“I moved up from the state training squad to national junior level and it was when I was in Form 5 that I was introduced to Vladimir’s Boxing Gym.
“The coaches there asked me to spar with the boys and they liked what they saw. I was sent to Uzbekistan to train as they saw the potential in me.
“There’s not enough quality sparring in Malaysia and I’ve gone to different countries to learn different boxing styles.
“I hope this is the start of better things for me. I want to win a world title championship belt one day for Malaysia,” said Theena, who adores former American pro boxer Roy Jones Jr.