KENT Boxing Club (KBC) of Kanowit further cemented its reputation as one of Sarawak’s outstanding boxing clubs, following a double triumph at Sibu Boxing Carnival.
Organised by Joe’s Academy of Boxing (JAB), the tournament at Kampung Nyabor Malay Club Hall saw 118 pugilists taking part, including 24 women.
KBC securing an impressive haul of 12 medals – five gold, three silver and four bronze – placing the club as one of the event’s top-performing contingents.
Adding to the club’s pride, boxer Betty Juing was named Best Female Boxer after claiming gold in the Junior Women’s Category (Under-17).
Her success not only highlights the strength of emerging talent from Kanowit but also underscores the growing presence of female athletes in a sport traditionally dominated by men.
Four other KBC boxers also struck gold across various age and weight divisions: Christian Bale and Darwisy Fidelis in the Boxer Talent Category (U-12), Muhammad Daniq in the Talent Category (U-15), and Dexfin Samio in the Junior Male Category (U-17).
The club’s silver medals were earned by Alfonso Mathew, Teo Hudson and Augustine Dimas.
Bronze medals were won by Shem Janang and Selestian Saka, as well as Merdeka Tingang in the women’s division.
KBC manager and head coach Kennedy Edwin attributed the success to a structured training programme and the young boxers’ dedication.
“This success proves the effectiveness of our training system.
“But I don’t want them to rest on their laurels.
“Our next goal is to produce athletes capable of competing at higher levels such as the Sarawak Games, Malaysia Games and eventually the SEA Games,” he said.
Kennedy also called on parents in Kanowit district to be more open-minded in encouraging their children to take up boxing, a sport that receives limited exposure in rural communities.
KBC co-coach Luke Casmir Tugang agreed, describing the victory as a powerful motivator for young athletes to continue striving for excellence.
He urged them to remain disciplined and committed in their training.
The club also thanked JAB Sibu for organising the tournament and fostering a strong sense of sportsmanship among participants.
The carnival is widely regarded as a vital platform for discovering and nurturing young boxing talent, particularly from rural areas and preparing them for higher-level competitions.
Also taking part were JAB, Joseph Harry Boxing Club from Saratok, Panglima Seman Boxing Club from Kuching and Boxing Development Athletes from Miri.