KOTA BHARU, Kelantan: Less than a month after making history as the first Malaysian to become a ONE Championship world champion, national Muay Thai star, Ahmad Nor Iman Aliff Rakib, has bought a RM1-million bungalow for his parents.
The 22-year-old athlete said the house in Rantau Panjang had been completed and was ready to be occupied, describing it as a token of appreciation for his parents, Rakib Ahmad, 52, and Suriawati Che Wook, 46, for their sacrifices and support.
“My wish is to make them proud. Besides taking them for umrah, I can now buy them a house. The house was bought with my savings from my career as a Muay Thai athlete,” he told reporters at the Wira Negara Ceremony here on Saturday (Aug. 8).
Aliff said his victory over Thai legend, Sam-A Gaiyanghadao, by knockout (KO) in the fifth round at Lumpinee Stadium, Bangkok, last month was the biggest achievement of his career to date.
The victory saw him clinch the ONE Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Championship belt, making him the first Malaysian to achieve the feat in ONE Championship.
He said the achievement came after years of training and building his professional career in Bangkok, including securing a USD100,000 (RM408,996) contract that opened up more opportunities on the international stage.
Looking ahead, Aliff said he was targeting a title unification bout against undisputed Strawweight Muay Thai world champion, Prajanchai PK Saenchai, describing it as a major challenge in his career.
“God-willing, we can bring home another belt. If given the opportunity, I also hope my next fight can be held in Malaysia,” he said. – BERNAMA
