KUCHING: Twelve countries have officially confirmed their participation in the World Boxing Championship (WBC) 2024 in Kuching, the Sarawak Public Communications Unit reported.
This marks the first time the event will be hosted in Malaysia, scheduled for May 11 at Petra Jaya Indoor Stadium.
Sarawak Amateur Boxing Association President Datuk Rahman Lariwoo said the participating countries will include Japan, Kazakhstan, the UK, Australia, Myanmar, India, Thailand, France, the Philippines, Singapore, Brazil, and host Malaysia.
"This is a historic moment for Malaysia, especially Sarawak, as we host an international boxing championship showcasing professional boxers from around the globe.
"As of yesterday, 12 countries, including Malaysia, have confirmed their participation for the WBC 2024 to be held in Kuching this May," said Rahman.
He also highlighted that local talent Daeloniel McDelon Bong, also known as Kilat Boy, will represent Malaysia, competing in the Super Bantamweight 55.3kg category.
Furthermore, the Sarawak Open Championship 2024 is set to take place from May 6 to 10 at the same venue, with expectations of intense competition as participants will include boxers from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, West Kalimantan, Sumatra, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.
Rahman said he was optimistic about the Sarawak contingent, featuring young boxers from elite and developmental squads, warming up for the 2024 Malaysia Games.
He anticipates increased participation post-Eid celebrations and assures SABA's commitment to making both the Sarawak Open and WBC events successful, highlighting collaboration with the Sarawak Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development and the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts.
Rahman thanked the ministries for their support and trust in SABA to host the prestigious boxing championship in Sarawak. He also thanked the Sarawak Sports Corporation, the Sarawak State Sports Council, and other agencies and private entities for their assistance in organising the event.