Stephen (right) with coach Fred and Daeloniel.
KUCHING: Sarawakian boxer Stephen Onn Jenggieng is looking forward to more fights in the professional ranks, encouraged by his latest title win in Kuala Lumpur last weekend.
The Balingian-born fighter overcame policeman Mohd Hanafi in the cruiserweight final of Boxranx’s ‘Boxingfest 2017’ via a technical knockout in the third round.
“I set up my own training in Kuching, hired my own trainers, worked out at three different gyms one of which is Rebel Fitness Studio — all that hard work and sacrifices really paid off.
“It just feels great to win,” he told The Borneo Post here yesterday.
Stephen revealed his excitement when he found out that he was going to be up against Hanafi.
“I think he (Hanafi) used to represent Malaysia. He’s truly a worthy opponent,” he said.
Meanwhile, fellow Sarawakian Daeloniel McDelon Bong also brought home the ‘Boxingfest’ title after beating Jackson Lee in their Super Bantamweight bout.
At 18, Daeloniel is touted as the nation’s youngest professional boxer.
“I’m beyond words. What I can say is I want to go for more fights,” said the Betong-born youth, who is trained by former state boxing coach Fred Mandagi.
Meanwhile, Stephen expressed his appreciation to Boxranx for making bringing the pro boxing event back to Malaysia after a hiatus of more than four decades.
“I hope this would be one of many great steps for Malaysian boxing.”
Stephen was Sarawak’s sole gold medallist when he emerged as the 2015 National Golden Gloves heavyweight champion.
There was talk that he was destined to be the state’s next boxing sensation following the footsteps of 1998 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Sapok Biki.
Only a year ago, he was eyeing the 2017 SEA Games to be held in Kuala Lumpur in August.
However, a feud between him and Sarawak Boxing Association resulted in his suspension from any boxing tournament in the country.
His career in the ring was apparently dashed.
Stephen, who will turn 28 this Aug 21, said there was no point in talking about that episode now.
“My goal remains the same as the one I pledged to myself when I took up boxing — to bring glory to Sarawak boxing. For now, my focus is on professional fights,” he said, adding that he is lining up several pro events, including one in Singapore this October.
‘Boxingfest 2017’ is marketed as the first professional boxing event staged in Malaysia since the legendary heavyweight fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Bugner at Stadium Merdeka on July 1, 1975.
The World Boxing Council (WBC)-sanctioned event, held at Mid Valley Exhibition Centre KL last weekend, served up a mix of pro boxers and former mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters across 10 bouts.