SEA Games Boxing Squad Out To Redeem Failure In Myanmar

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 (Bernama) -- The national boxing squad which failed to deliver a gold in the 2013 edition in Myanmar, wants to redeem its lost pride by clinching at least one gold medal at the SEA Games in Singapore next month.

Malaysian Amateur Boxing Federation (MABF) secretary, Mohamed Jani Ismail said the federation was placing its hopes on seven boxers who are undergoing training for 24 days since May 7, in Kazakhstan, to realise the target.

He said the seven listed boxers are Mohd Fuad Mohd Reduan (49kg light fly weight), Muhammad Azuwan Mohd Nor (52kg fly weight), Arfiqanie Ahmad Anshori (56kg bantam weight), Khir Akyazlan Azmi (64kg light welterweight), Muhamad Al-Nazirul Othman (60kg light weight), Rudy Petrus (75kg middle weight) and Lee Ai Jin (women's 48kg light fly weight).

"Our boxers are more confident this time as they have the opportunity to train with leading Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan boxers," he said when contacted by Bernama here Tuesday.

Mohamed Jani said the seven national boxers would be returning home on May 31, before leaving for Singapore the next day.

"They are now in tip-top condition and are raring for action in the SEA Games," he said.

Mohamed Jani said MABF would not depend on any specific boxer for medal as MABF believes all boxers have an equal chance of delivering gold.

On the overall, he said the MABF was targeting three medals, regardless of its colour.

The national boxing squad last won a gold medal at the SEA Games in Palembang, Indonesia in 2011 when Mohd Farkhan Mohd Haron won the men's 75kg middle weight category.

Boxing gave its best contribution at the 2009 Games in Laos with two gold medals through Muhamad Farkhan Haron in the 75kg middle weight and Muhd Fairus Azwan Abdullah (81kg heavy weight).

-- BERNAMA