All smiles: Clarkson Evans Tom Frankie celebrating after beating Kedah’s R. Thanasekaran 5-0 in the boy’s 45-48kg boxing final.
HE did a somersault and bowed to all four corners of the packed arena.
Clarkson Evans Tom Frankie then went on to do a jig as the crowd cheered at Simanggang Indoor Arena in Sri Aman last night. The 19-year-old’s joy was understandable.
He had just beaten Kedah’s R. Thanasekaran 5-0 in the boy’s 45-48kg boxing final to win his first Malaysia Games (Sukma) gold medal for Sarawak.
Clarkson has come a long way from his street fighting days.
Just four years ago, he was an inmate of the Henry Gurney School after he was caught for fighting.
“I was a juvenile offender but in the two-year stint at the school, I discovered a passion for boxing.
“I received guidance from those who were knowledgeable about boxing and I started to train more seriously.
“This Sukma win is my first big success. I won the quarters and semis also by the same margin.
“There is no better place to do this than in my home state of Sarawak,” said Clarkson, who looks up to Sarawakian professional boxer Daeloniel Mcdelon Bong, also known as Kilat Boy, and also former Commonwealth Games gold medallist boxer Sapok Biki.
“They are well known among Sarawakians and were here to give support to us today,” added the Kota Samarahan boy.
The two would be proud. The hosts managed to put six representatives in the eight boys’ finals.
