Muhamad Ridhwan became Singapore’s first-ever World Boxing Association (WBA) champion as he clinched the Asia Super Featherweight title at the Singapore Fighting Championships (SFC) 5: Combat Redefined event at the Singapore Foochow Association on Saturday (8 April).
The three-time SEA Games bronze medalist defeated Indonesia’s top-ranked featherweight Waldo Sabu via a technical knockout (TKO) two and a half minutes into the second round of the 10-round fight in the main event of the night.
At first, both fighters exchanged blows. Soon after, Ridhwan delivered non-stop blows, bringing Waldo to his knees.
In an interview after the fight, Ridhwan said that he is honoured by the win and happy for the opportunity to go up against such an experienced fighter like Waldo.
“He did not back down during the two rounds, but I did not want to leave the ring without that belt. I will continue to bring pride to my gym and to Singapore,” he said.
SFC’s President, Arvind Lalwani, said that he is proud of Ridhwan’s achievement.
“To say I am proud of Ridhwan is an understatement. I am a witness to how hard he has worked for his dream and the mindset he has to not stop until he has achieved it,” he said.
On his Facebook account, Ridhwan said that he was grateful for everyone who shared the moment with him.
“WE did it!” he wrote in a post.
“To those who were at the fight last night, thank you for being there to share the moment with me. Also to those who sent me messages of support leading to the fight, you guys are truly something. So many have sacrificed and worked so hard behind the scenes to make the win possible,” Ridhwan said.
“Not forgetting the boxers that have come before me and paved the way for me to be where I’m at now,” he added.
He said that the belt is a huge step forward but it’s also a reminder – “We have to keep working and have the right intentions in our hearts to achieve our dreams and goals. This is just the beginning.”
“Ultimately, the best way for me to thank everyone is by continuing to work hard and dedicate myself to the craft so that I can continue to make you all proud. Alright ppl, I’m off to the next personal training session with my client now. Till the next one!” the head coach and co-founder of local boxing gym Legends Fight Sport said.
Singapore also won other titles in the event.
Singapore’s Garie Tang, a former wrestler with the Singapore National Wrestling Squad, defeated Malaysia’s Eddy Kalai in a Pro-MMA fight in the co-main event.
He took only 2 minutes 33 seconds in the first round to force his opponent into submission with a shoulder lock.
Rafi Majid, Singapore’s Universal Boxing Championship’s (UBO) Super Middleweight champion, defeated Indonesia’s Marco Tuhumar via TKO.
Nurshahidah Roslie beat Thailand’s Nonguom Por Niramon in the second round by a TKO.
Alexandrew David defeated Indonesia’s Wellem Reyk after going the full four rounds against the Indonesian fighter.
Other MMA wins include Rahul Raju defeating Malaysia’s Adeq Ali by TKO in the first round and former SFC ring girl turned amateur MMA fighter Amanda Chan (above) shoulder-locking Malaysia’s Amy Matt into submission.
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