BOXING isn’t just a sport for Gideon Riquelme Jonathan – it’s a calling and a relentless pursuit of greatness.
A dream that took shape the moment he stumbled upon Mike Tyson’s highlights as a teenager.
Fast forward to today, the 22-year-old is about to make history as Sarawak’s second-ever professional boxer.
A Fighter’s Awakening
Like many young athletes, Gideon’s journey began with an inspiration.
At 15, he stumbled upon highlights of Mike Tyson, mesmerised by the legend’s power, movement and sheer dominance in the ring.
He said that moment sparked something within him, a deep-rooted desire to try boxing.
“But it wasn’t just a fleeting fascination.
“I realised it was more than just a sport when I was selected as an athlete for Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2024.
“That was when I knew I had what it takes to go further,” he said.
In 2022, Gideon made a decision that would alter his life’s trajectory – he sent a message to coach Stephen Onn Jenggieng, inquiring about boxing classes.
Little did he knew, that one message would set in motion a journey toward professional boxing.
“Honestly, I wasn’t expecting to reach this level and turn pro because I just wanted to train and improve. Now, I’m here,” he admitted.
Looking back, Gideon said he is grateful to those who have played a role in his rise -his coaches, family, teammates and, most importantly, his faith.
“I thank God for blessing me with this opportunity,” he said.
The Road to Professionalism
Gideon’s amateur career was nothing short of dominant.
With five gold medals from Sarawak Open 2024, Sukan Sarawak 2024, SUKMA 2024, and Kejohanan Sukan Tempur Selangor under his belt, he proved himself a formidable force in the ring.
The defining moment that made him realise he was ready to go pro was during the SUKMA finals.
“It was in that fight that I felt I was ready to take the next step in my boxing career,” he said.
Thanks to the Sarawak Amateur Boxing Association (SABA), that door opened sooner than expected.
Their connections secured Gideon a spot on the ‘Global War: The Boxing Showdown’ undercard in Bangkok, Thailand.
But talent alone does not define a champion as every great fighter possesses a unique trait that sets them apart.
For Gideon, it’s his mindset.
“My mindset is my greatest weapon as I refuse to give up.
“No matter what happens, I keep pushing forward, keep improving, and stay focused on my goal,” he said.
This relentless drive has led him to where he is today – on the cusp of his professional debut, set for March 29 in Bangkok where he will face his first professional opponent, Pluem Wangkhlaklang, from Thailand.
For many fighters, their professional debut is more than just about winning – it is about making a statement.
Gideon’s goal on March 29 is clear.
“I want people to remember that I bring excitement to the ring.
“That I am a fighter who’s aggressive, skilled, and always looking to put on a show,” he said.
And in those final moments before the first bell rings, with the lights shining down and the crowd watching, what will be going through his mind?
“One thing, give the fans a fight to remember. And finish my opponent,” he added.
Carrying Sarawak’s Boxing Legacy
Turning professional is a milestone for any boxer, but for Gideon, it carries an even greater responsibility.
He would be only the second professional boxer from Sarawak, following in the footsteps of Daeloniel Mcdelon or better known as Kilat Boy.
“It means carrying the Sarawak name with pride and proving that we have world-class fighters here.
“Sarawak boxing deserves more recognition, and I want to play my part in putting us on the map,” he said.
The transition from amateur to professional is no easy feat.
With more rounds, longer fights, and heightened competition, preparation is key.
Despite not knowing who his opponent will be, Gideon said he remains unfazed.
“My focus is always on my own game plan. No matter who steps into the ring, I will be ready,” he said.
Sponsors such as Arun Ami MM2H, Firo and USANA have stepped in to support him, allowing him to focus entirely on his training.
“It helps me train without distractions.
“Knowing that I have people and companies backing me push me to work harder and give my best performance,” he said.
A Coach’s Perspective: The Making of a Champion
Stephen can still vividly recall the first time Gideon stepped into his gym.
“Honestly, I thought he was a spoiled kid.
“He showed up late, barely made eye contact, and spoke so softly I wasn’t even sure if he apologised,” he said.
To test his resolve, Stephen gave him a “warm-up” punishment – 100 calories on the hell bike.
He said most newcomers would have crumbled, but not Gideon.
“He handled it surprisingly well.
“Then we moved on to punching techniques, and I realised something – his technique was already sharp.
“He and his friend had been practising at home, watching YouTube videos.
“That caught my attention and I saw potential, but potential doesn’t mean much without work.
“I told him not to be late for training and from that day on, he was never late again,” he said.
Stephen pointed out that the most impressive part of Gideon’s evolution from his first training session to now is his ability to absorb knowledge and immediately apply it.
“His listening skills truly set him apart.
“He processes instruction instantly, adjusts his strategy mid-fight and executes them perfectly.
“It’s like watching a blank canvas turn into a masterpiece,” he said.
Describing Gideon as a boxer with the right mentality, physicality and unique fighting style, Stephen said his approach is unorthodox and unpredictable, thus making him a puzzle that can’t be solved easily.
“He has all the right ingredients to succeed and now it’s about crafting the right recipe.
“One of the biggest shifts in his training as he prepares for his professional debut is improving his stamina.
“In amateur boxing, fights last three rounds whereas in professional boxing it can go up to four, six or even twelve rounds.
“We are making sure that he can sustain his pace for longer without losing power, precision or movement,” he said.
Beyond the Ring: Building Sarawak’s Boxing Future
Gideon’s rise to the professional ranks is significant not just for himself, but for Sarawak’s boxing scene as a whole.
Stephen pointed out that Sarawak needs more events and tournaments to keep fighters active.
“Gideon wasn’t discovered through a boxing event – his first fight was actually in a cage.
“Now imagine how many more talented boxers are out there, waiting to be discovered,” he said.
Azreen Octavious, a former opponent turned sponsor, also echoed this sentiment.
Gideon’s first amateur boxing match was against Azreen – a bigger, more experienced fighter with a muay thai background dating back to his teens.
“I have been in the ring with him. I have felt firsthand what he’s capable of.
“Supporting him now isn’t just about sponsorship – it’s about backing a fighter I truly believe in,” he said.
As the co-founder of Arun Ami MM2H, Azreen said he sees boxing as an investment -not just in an individual, but in Sarawak’s potential.
He pointed out that boxing and business actually have a lot in common, whereby both require discipline, resilience and strategy.
“Arun Ami MM2H is a boutique agency. Just like Gideon in making his mark in boxing, we are making ours in our industry,” he said.
Azreen stressed that fighters need more exposure, backing and belief from business and the community.
He said Sarawak is not only known for its rich culture, but also its track record of producing top-tier athletes.
“The more we support our own fighters, the more we can build a real boxing culture in Sarawak – one that produces champions,” he said.
The Road Ahead
For Gideon, the fight on March 29 is just the beginning.
Beyond winning fights, his vision is clear – he wants to inspire young Sarawakian boxers to believe that turning professional isn’t just a dream, but an achievable reality.
“I want to inspire more Sarawakian boxers. Show them that turning pro isn’t just a dream – it’s possible.
“And when people talk about me in the next five years, I want them to say I’m the best middleweight in Asia,” he said.
With his mindset, talent, and the unwavering support behind him, that goal seems not just possible – but inevitable.
