ISKANDAR PUTERI: Former World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Association (WBA) Asia cruiserweight champion Muhammad Farkhan Haron will continue his boxing career though he has been appointed a councillor on the Iskandar Puteri City Council.
Farkhan, 34, said boxing was his career and passion.
"This appointment provides me with a platform to help and serve people. It is something new for me, and I am grateful and excited about this chance."
He is preparing for a fight at the Johor International Boxing Championship in December to regain his WBC Asia title.
"I had to give up the title because I have not had a fight in more than two years due to the pandemic.
"I began my preparation on Aug 1 and I will undergo high-intensity training in September. It will be tough because I first have to lose 30kg."
He said his opponent would be announced next month.
He is also helping the state boxing team to prepare for Sukma.
"I am a product of Sukma where I won four gold medals between 2004 and 2010, so state government asked me to motivate and give tips to boxers."
He was met after a ceremony to present letters of appointment to new councillors and chief whips of local councils in Johor. It was officiated by Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
Present were exco members and State Secretary Tan Sri Azmi Rohani.
When asked about issues that he would raise, Farkhan said they would involve traders and small businesses.
"I am responsible for the Medini Iskandar zone, a business hub. I have already received complaints from traders about the lack of people in the area.
"Despite being a business hub and the state administrative capital, the area is quiet after office hours.
"The traders hope there are more efforts to attract people to the area, which has plenty of attractions and facilities, such as an extreme park and a glamping site."