a day ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#NSTviral: KJ triumphs in boxing debut against ex-world Muay Thai champion
KUALA LUMPUR: Hot FM radio presenter Khairy Jamaluddin's dream of stepping into a boxing ring came true when he defeated former world number one Muay Thai fighter Saiful Merican in a friendly match yesterday.
The bout, held at ST Rosyam Mart in Jalan Kebun, was part of Hot FM's Clash of Champion event and drew a crowd of over 300 spectators.
Khairy, affectionately known as KJ, said he was grateful to have claimed a memorable win over the 37-year-old mixed martial arts (MMA) star.
"Since I was a child, I've always been passionate about boxing and grew up watching Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Mike Tyson.
"I've always wanted to step into a boxing ring, and I never imagined I would get the opportunity today.
"To face off against a highly respected martial artist like Saiful 'The Vampire' Merican — it's truly an honour," he said.
The friendly match had reportedly been in the works since last year, but only materialised on Sunday.
Khairy, who has known Saiful for some time, described sharing the ring with the Malaysian MMA athlete as a meaningful experience.
"He gave me some room in the first two minutes, but when he punched — he really punched," he added with a smile.
Khairy also expressed appreciation to everyone who made the match possible, including his coach and his son, Jibriel Ali Jamaluddin, who served as his cornerman.
Aside from the headline bout, the event also featured a match between Hot FM's Bekfes presenter AG and Adli Goldenboy, which ended in a draw.
Another crowd favourite was a friendly arm-wrestling match between presenter Fara Fauzana and singer Elizabeth Tan, with Tan emerging victorious.
