KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- Taking full advantage of a golden opportunity was the key to victory for Hallo Fightlab boxer Mohd Haikal Salami, who defeated Nong Ice Rodtang from Thailand via Technical Knockout (TKO) at the Grand Final of the Kuda Merah International Muaythai Challenge 2024 'King of the Ring' here last night.
The Form Four student from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Teloi Kanan, Kedah, said that although he was initially nervous, he managed to calm himself by thinking positively that he could defeat the younger brother of ONE Championship champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon in their first bout.
“I am very grateful because all the hard work paid off (and I got the TKO in the third round out of five). My goal is to reach a higher level like ONE Championship, but I know it is quite challenging as it requires hard training.
“Currently, as I am still in school, I schedule my time by focusing on studies in the morning and start training at around 4 pm. So, it really requires self-discipline,” he told reporters after claiming the championship belt sponsored by ICU/JPM and Radio Era at the Titiwangsa Stadium.
Recounting his background, Mohd Haikal said he began his journey in Muay Thai at the age of nine when he was trained by his father, Salami Nayan, 48, who is also a Muay Thai coach in Felda Teloi Timur, Sik, Kedah.
The second of six siblings said that thanks to the teachings he received, he now makes significant sacrifices, sometimes having to leave his family to participate in tournaments outside his home state of Kedah, which he feels is well worth it.
Meanwhile, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, who was present to witness the bout, expressed pride in Mohd Haikal’s achievement and hoped that he could shine like Muhammad Johan Ghazali Zulfikar, also known as Jojo, who has achieved various successes both locally and internationally.
“Insya-Allah, I will discuss with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to support our athletes,” he said.
In another bout, Kuda Merah PDRM Club boxer Mohd Rais Mohd Junaidi, defeated Mohd Juwaidi Abd Wahab, representing Urat Merah Narathiwat Thailand, to win the Pulapol and Celcius Belt through a points victory.
“I dedicate this victory to the head coach of Kuda Merah, Rosli Yaacob, who will be retiring on Monday (Nov 18). All five of my participations were under his guidance, and I have won four times in a row.
“Thanks also to the team manager for financial and training support. I hope to represent Malaysia in the SEA Games next,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
