ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (UAE): Jonnah ‘Superjon’ Barrac might only be 12, but on the morning of September 18, he carried himself like a seasoned fighter at Yas Island here.
The PS Muaythai Bintulu Club’s lad, who first laced up gloves at just three years old, fought his way to the 2025 IFMA World Muaythai Championships final in the boys’ 12-13 years, under-42 kg category, only to be edged by hometown favourite, Ammar Yaser Abu Jeish, of the UAE.
Silver should feel sweet, but Jonnah’s words showed a hunger beyond his years.
“I’m happy to bring home a medal for Malaysia, but I’m not satisfied.
“My dream was gold, to be world champion. I’ll go home, train harder, and fix the mistakes my coach saw in me,” he told Sarawak Tribune, eyes still fixed on the bigger picture.
In the corner, his father and trainer, David Lambek, wore the same bittersweet expression.
Pride, yes, but also the conviction that more is possible.
“As a dad, I know he can do better. As a trainer, I see this as just the start. This is a marker of where Jonnah stands internationally. We’ll build from here,” David reflected.
If the ring left him with silver, the water gave him gold.
Jonnah bounced back in the muay talay side event today, a playful contest in shallow pools where fighters test balance and spirit as much as skill.
He was not alone. Rentap Muay Thai Gym’s, Adrynna ‘Chicha’ Thanicha, added to Sarawak’s joy with a muay talay gold of her own, alongside a bronze in the Junior 10-11 Female 32 kg division.
And joining her in the splash was Dylan Casey Daniel of D30 Muaythai Club Miri, who also struck gold, proof that Sarawak’s next wave is not just fighting, but thriving on the world stage.
For Jonnah, the silver and side-event gold glint as reminders of promise, while the real prize still lies ahead, in bigger stages yet to come.
The IFMA World Muaythai Championships at Space 42 Muay Thai Arena in Yas Island concludes tomorrow (Saturday).
