Proud winner: Sarawak’s Daelonial McDelon Bong posing with the gold medal for the men’s featherweight boxing category. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
DAELONIAL McDelon Bong’s nimble moves were reminiscent of legendary boxer and 1998 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Sapok Biki.
But that did not come as a surprise as Sapok is his coach.
The Sarawakian, known as the ‘Kilat Boy’, was fast in throwing punches but found ways to avoid the blows as he stood steady to beat Federal Territories’ Alif Akmal Mohd Azri 5-0 for the men’s featherweight (54-57kg) gold in the Malaysia Games (Sukma) at the Malaysia Futsal Complex in Putrajaya yesterday.
The Sri Aman-born Daelonial is grateful to his coach Sapok in guiding him to win his first Sukma gold in his last outing as an amateur.
“He is a legend and my inspiration. Whatever you see me do on the ring, it’s his work. He has trained me for almost eight years now, and I am glad that it has led me to this Sukma gold,” said Daelonial.
“The fight with Alif was good, but after the match, I remembered the struggles I went through the last four years – the Covid-19 pandemic, constant changes in training programmes and Sukma’s postponement.
“Now, I can celebrate this gold with my loved ones and also with coach Sapok.”
Daelonial said the plan was to turn professional so that he would be able to compete in circuits around the South East Asian region.
“I’ve actually participated in a pro tournament in Pakistan in June and won the featherweight gold. I hope to compete in another pro event in Bangkok soon.’’
Another Sarawakian, Jackson Chambai, 21, won the men’s flyweight (48-51kg) gold medal when he beat Federal Territories’ Mohd Hakimi Sumadi 5-0.
With a funky red Mohawk hairstyle, Jackson was truly in his element and showered punches in every round.
He took up boxing to manage his anger.
“When I was in school, I used to be in many fights. I was hot-tempered.
“Even when someone disturbs my friend, I will fight,” said Jackson. “One of my school teachers, Joseph Harry, saw those fights and told me to channel it in the ring.
“I trained, loved boxing and learnt the values of respect. I’m here today because of Cikgu Joseph. This is my first and last Sukma.’’
As the curtain came down, Terengganu emerged as the top team after finishing with four golds and one bronze.
