KENINGAU: Slick Boxing Club reaffirmed its standing as one of Sabah’s premier boxing teams after emerging as the overall champions of the 3rd Keningau Open Boxing Championship, securing an impressive nine victories from 12 bouts to lift the coveted Overall Champion Trophy at Bandukan Resort here on Saturday.
The club’s dominant performance highlighted the depth of its talent and the effectiveness of its athlete development programme, earning praise from officials and spectators alike during one of the State’s fastest-growing amateur boxing tournaments.
Organised by Garagas Fighting Club in collaboration with the Keningau Tourism and Cultural Association, and officially sanctioned by the Sabah Amateur Boxing Association, this year’s championship attracted 70 registered participants from boxing clubs across Sabah, further demonstrating the sport’s growing popularity, particularly among young athletes.
A total of 68 boxers stepped into the ring, competing in 35 official bouts, while two additional victories were awarded via walkover. Throughout the day, spectators witnessed intense contests featuring boxers from various age groups and weight divisions, with participants displaying impressive technical skills, courage and sportsmanship.
Beyond the competition itself, the championship also served as a valuable platform for young fighters to gain competitive experience while allowing coaches and officials to identify promising talents capable of progressing to higher levels of competition.
Individual excellence was also recognised during the championship, with several young boxers receiving Best Boxer awards after producing outstanding performances throughout the tournament.
Fredrio Chrisen of Garagas Fight Team was named Best Boxer (Under-12, 36kg) following a composed and technically sound display inside the ring.
Meanwhile, Bryce Joshbekesha Jozender Juil from Tambuakar claimed the Best Boxer (Under-14, 40kg) title after impressing judges with his determination, ring awareness and disciplined boxing technique.
In the Under-16 division, Zill Qayyim Mohamad Hafiz of Slick Boxing Club earned the Best Boxer (46kg) award, further contributing to his club’s dominant overall performance.
The Best Elite Boxer (51kg) accolade went to Deannel Daminus of Malinja Boxing Club, whose confident performance and technical ability distinguished him among the elite competitors.
The championship concluded with a prize presentation ceremony officiated by Rafie Datuk Robert, Chairman of the Keningau Tourism and Cultural Association, who congratulated all athletes, coaches, referees, officials and organisers for delivering another successful edition of the tournament.
Now in its third edition, the Keningau Open Boxing Championship has continued to establish itself as one of Sabah’s important amateur boxing events, providing emerging athletes with valuable exposure and competitive experience while strengthening relationships among boxing clubs across the State.
