Kota Kinabalu: Sabahan elite Muaythai athlete Shah Aryan Shahzam from Revolution Combat Gym won his international pro fight at the Rentap fighting championship held at the Sungai Apong Basketball Court, Kuching on Saturday.
The 21-year-old was knocked down in the opening round by Mohd Hasbullah’s front kick but recovered quickly to make a strong comeback in the second and third rounds to win the 51kg bout against his Sarawak opponent 29-28 (9-10, 10-9, 10-9).
It was also his second victory in the international pro fight scene following his first win over Thailand’s Muangfalek at the Max Muaythai Stadium, Thailand in September last year.
The Malaysian Games (Sukma) 2022 silver medallist is coached by Sabah’s head coach Cyrille Dhillon Tahing.
According to Cyrille, Aryan will not be taking part in next year’s Sukma and is now fully focused on pro and international fights.
The Rentap fighting championship was organised by Rentap Muaythai Gym Kuching, the training ground of Malaysian One Championship star Johan Ghazali @ Jojo.
It attracted top fighters from Thailand, Cambodia, United States and Yemen including One Championship’s Aryan Elias Gjazali and Kabilan Kelevan.
Two other Sabahans also took part in the local pro fight held in the afternoon with mixed results.
Zeffenzie Hezron Douni won his 56kg fight against local lad Huzaifah Abdurlahim with a knock-out victory while Sukma athlete Eva Anastasia Warren lost in a split decision to her Sarawak Sukma-bound opponent Cherilynn Christalle Chan in the 51kg category.
