KUCHING: Sarawak’s young boxing sensation, Gideon Riquelme Jonathan, is making a powerful leap into the professional arena, following in the footsteps of his mentor ‘Kilat Boy’ Daeloniel Mcdelon Bong.
The 22-year-old, who previously bagged gold at the 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA), is set to make his professional debut at the World Boxing Championship (WBC) Middleweight 70kg, on March 29 at the Space Plus Arena in Bangkok.
President of the Sarawak Boxing Association (SABA) Datuk Rahman Lariwoo celebrated the emergence of yet another Sarawakian talent into the professional boxing circuit.
“Today marks another monumental achievement for Sarawak boxing. Gideon was the gold medalist from SUKMA XXI and chose to walk the path of a professional boxer, rejecting the chance to represent the country.
“It’s an immense source of pride for SABA, as we continue to produce top-tier talent,” Rahman told a press conference recently.
Like Kilat Boy before him, Rahman is confident that Gideon has the potential to shine globally.
But with that, he knows commitment and intense training are key.
“We are counting on Gideon to show the world what Sarawak boxing is made of. He has to stay disciplined, and his focus must be unwavering during training,” he added.
Gideon, with his eyes firmly set on international glory, is taking no chances in his preparation.
The young boxer, who will face a challenger from India in his debut, is enduring grueling daily four-hour training sessions at Knight Performance Training Centre, coached by the skilled Stephen Onn Jenggieng and Wilbur Andogan.
“I’ve dreamed of being a pro boxer since I was a kid, and I’m excited to live that dream.
“I’ll leave everything in the ring and give my best for SABA and my coaches,” Gideon added.
Expressing gratitude to his mentors, the young star acknowledged Rahman for believing in him and guiding him toward a professional career in boxing.
With his debut on the horizon, the countdown to Gideon’s big moment has begun.
