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Kota Kinabalu: Three young female boxers from the Tambuakar Muay Thai Club Papar not only proved their mettle in the ring at the recent Sabah Tawau Muay Thai Expo but also impressed the judges to earn special accolades.

Seventeen-year-old Eva Anatasia Warren and nine-year-old Angie Shim An Qi were named “Best Boxers (Female)”, while 15-year-old Jezzevelle Myora Jerry received the honour of being “Rising Star (Female)”.

The trio, who emerged victorious in their respective categories, contributed to the 13 gold medals the Club raked in at the event which was held at the Tawau Basketball Stadium. 

Some of their other 32 fellow club members brought in six silver and 11 bronze medals, allowing Tambuakar to take second place in the overall haul at the three-day Expo.

Eva said this was the second time that she had been credited for her performance at a sports event of this nature.

“The first time, that I remember this happening, was during a competition in Tanjung Aru last year,” she said.

“I was nervous when I got in the ring in Tawau. But, later, when I learned that I had wowed the judges, I was very happy.”

The student from SMK Takis joined the Club three years ago.

She admitted that the fighting skills she had honed with Tambuakar had boosted her confidence and given her an idea of what she might want to do in the future.

“I have been thinking seriously about becoming a professional fighter after I leave school.”

Angie, on the other hand, felt that she had gained more courage in the two years that she had been with the Club.

She joined Tambuakar at her mother’s request and, after a month of classes, decided that she really liked what she was learning.

Prior to the Expo in Tawau, the SKJC St Joseph (Papar) pupil had never earned such noteworthy feedback about her performance in the ring.

“I participated in four other competitions before this,” she said. “This is the first time I have been named a ‘Best’ fighter.”