Wazirul (right) and Aiman after the fight.
KOTA KINABALU: It was all Sarawak’s pride for up-and- coming Mohammad Wazirul Naziman Zaidil at the 6th D1 Fighting Championship (D1FC) here on Saturday night.
The 19-year-old registered his first win outside Sarawak in the 50kg challenge against his Kuala Lumpur opponent Aiman Nazmin Muhamad Nazim.
“Words cannot describe how happy I am, having able to make my home state proud.
It was a grinding bout, with both of us giving our all throughout the whole five rounds.
I went for the IFMA (International Federation of Muaythai Amateur) championship selection in Kuala Lumpur last year, but didn’t make the cut for the finals.
“Tonight’s victory really made up for all that,” the Miri-born fighter told The Borneo Post.
Wazirul said his latest victory boosted his fight record to 16 wins and three losses.
“This record comprises my feats at Kuching, Sematan, Lundu, Samarahan and Saratok outings.
This (Kota Kinabalu) one, however, is my first win outside Sarawak and also my first entry into the professional circuit,” he said.
Wazirul, who is studying for a diploma in quantity surveying at UiTM Samarahan Campus, also aims to be a certified muaythai coach.
“I have been trained by great coaches.
Thus, I strive to be one with the aim of grooming and training future talents of Sarawak.
I did it tonight, and I would want to see more Sarawakians achieve the same – if not more,” he continued.
Wazirul was among two state exponents vying for titles at the Saturday showdown themed ‘D1FC: Rise Above The Rest’ at Oceanus Waterfront Mall here, organised by D1FC in collaboration with Sabah Muay Thai Association.
But his team-mate Amos Aldrich Bundan Winter’s 70kg encounter with Rayner Kinsiong was called off due to technical reasons.
“It’s a bit of a downer because I have been training so hard for it.
I was eyeing to improve my three- win, one-loss record,” the 22-year- old lamented.
On a positive side, he was there to share Wazirul’s glory.
“It might have not been my night, but it was indeed Wazirul’s.
I have been cheering him on and I truly believe that he deserves that win.
” The ‘D1FC: Rise Above The Rest’ hosted seven bouts, headlined by the 67kg Professional Title Belt clash between Bow Suweilek of Thailand and Alcer ‘Master of Disaster’ Lozada of the Philippines, which was won by the Thai.
According to D1FC, the next edition will be held in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 1-2.