Farkhan cautious about weight loss
a major title fight looming on the horizon, professional boxer Farkhan Haron is wary of the side effects of drastic weight loss.
The Johorean is working his way towards earning a shot at the IBF Pan Pacific (Asia-Oceania) title in the light heavyweight (under-79kg) category later this year. And to do so, he will have to lose weight.
The former Sea Games gold medallist, who turned pro in 2015, has mostly competed in the cruiserweight class (under90kg) since ending his amateur days in the sport.
He was scheduled to fight Indonesian Alexander Bajawa in Manilla in the cruiserweight class yesterday but his opponent was forced to withdraw due to his mother’s death.
The bout was to be a rematch, following their earlier fight in Bangkok in December, which Farkhan won.
“I was at 89kg when I fought Alexander in December but have gone down to 86kg at the moment,” said the 30-yearold. “I have to be careful with my weight loss. I don’t want to rush it and risk losing power in my shots (due to loss of muscle mass).
“The goal is to be within the 79kg range by July so I can compete in the light heavyweight class from then on.”
His pro record stands at eight wins in as many fights. The 1.75m fighter needs at least 10 fights under his belt to be considered for a shot at the IBF title.