KUCHING: Newly crowned International Boxing Association (IBA) Intercontinental Super Bantamweight champion, Daeloniel McDelon Bong, plans to set up a boxing gym and academy next year as part of efforts to strengthen the sport’s development in Sarawak.
Daeloniel, better known as Kilat Boy, said the initiative is driven by his recent international victory, which he hopes will enable him to give back to the boxing community.
He said the gym and academy will be completed during his recovery period following a busy competitive season. Details of the academy are expected to be announced early next year.
Kilat Boy returned to Kuching on Wednesday after defeating India’s national champion, Kuldeep Tarkar, in the Warzone World Championship 2025 last Sunday.
Kilat Boy also indicated he may join several major tournaments next year, including a potential outing at the World Boxing Council (WBC) Gold Championship.
However, he noted that early 2026 will be dedicated to rest and rehabilitation after five bouts this year.
“I will return to my main training camp, go back to basics, and focus on recovery,” he said, adding that he expects to make his next ring appearance after Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
He said his team is also planning community and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes involving agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as the Sarawak Orphans Welfare Board (PERYATIM) and the Association for the Welfare of Intellectually Disabled Children (PERKATA) Sarawak.
Kilat Boy is currently ranked 150th in the world, eighth in Asia, and remains Malaysia’s top professional boxer. – TVS
