KUCHING: Datuk Rahman Lariwoo has been appointed president of the newly established Malaysia Professional Boxing Association (Persatuan Tinju Profesional Malaysia), with plans to strengthen the pathway for amateur boxers to enter the professional ranks.
The appointment was confirmed during the association’s meeting last week, marking a new chapter in the development of professional boxing in Malaysia.
Rahman said the association’s main objective is to identify talented amateur boxers with the potential to turn professional and provide them with the necessary guidance and opportunities to progress further.
“The objective is to look for boxers from the amateur ranks who want to become professionals.
“We will guide them and help them move to a higher level,” he told Sarawak Tribune when met recently.
He said Malaysia has already seen several amateur fighters make the transition into professional boxing, including four boxers from Sarawak who have entered the professional ranks.
Rahman added that the association would work towards creating a structured development pathway for young boxers, particularly those who have reached the age of 21 and are looking to continue their careers in the professional circuit.
“We have 14 boxing centres in Sarawak, and when athletes reach the age of 21 and want to pursue professional boxing, we will encourage them and prepare programmes to support their development,” he said.
The SABA president said his experience in managing amateur boxing development would help him contribute to the growth of professional boxing in Malaysia.
He also brings international experience to the role through his involvement with the World Boxing Council (WBC) Asia.
With his new role, Rahman hopes to build a stronger professional boxing structure in Malaysia while creating more opportunities for local fighters to compete at a higher level.
