It was an explosive night for Malaysian fight fans as they witnessed the first-ever professional boxing event in Kuala Lumpur after 42 years.
Boxranx’s “Boxingfest” — KL’s first WBC Professional Boxing promotion relived the glory of the popular sport since the late legendary Muhammad Ali made his title defence against Joe Bugner in 1975.
Among the fight that stole the limelight on Sunday was the fight between young boxing prodigy, Theena Thayalan against Indonesia’s Yudi Hartanto.
Theena defeated his much older opponent in just 25 seconds of the first round.
During the fight, the 19-year-old Theena was calm on his feet as he and Yudi exchanged jabs feeling each other’s strength.
Seconds later, Theena instantly saw an opening and landed a powerful cross that downed Yudi which had unceremoniously knocked him straight out.
Theena, when met after the fight, said expected the contest to end in a swift knockout.
“Yeah, I was expecting the fight to finish quick. When I saw an opportunity, I just went straight for it,” he said in post-fight interview.
Theena, who is also a Sukan Malaysia (SUKMA) gold medalist only started boxing a few years ago, but he’s already a veteran of 95 amateur fights.
Few other Malaysians also impressed the packed hall with their world class boxing despite making their professional debut that night.
Malaysian Invasion (MIMMA) welterweight champion Hui Keng Fai tested his skills in the boxing ring against Sam Chan, who was also making his pro boxing debut.
Keng Fai’s hard blow to Chan’s liver area granted him a win at 2.58 minutes of round three.
In another exciting bout, SEA Games veteran, Eddey Kalai mesmerised the crowd with his flashy dodges and techniques as he took on American boxer, Jonathan Clemons.
However, Eddey didn’t fair well as he lost to Clemons via split decision after the fourth round.
In the WBC cruiserweight category between policeman Mohd Hanafi and Sarawakian Stephen Onn, the fight saw the latter taking the win by technical knockout (TKO) in the third round.
Meanwhile in the the main event, the WBC OPBF Featherweight Silver Championship Bout saw Filipino boxer Carlo Magali winning the match via TKO in the 10th round against Sandeep Balhara from India.
Magali’s victory managed to put a stop to Balhara’s perfect record of four wins.
Haider Yutim
Mon Jul 10 2017
Theena Thayalan (right) knocks out his Indonesian opponent, Yudi Hartanto at 25 seconds of round one. - WBC Malaysia pic
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.